UWSP Marshfield addresses change in enrollment

MARSHFIELD--The University of Wisconsin Stevens Point’s campus based in Marshfield saw a drop in enrollment numbers from previous years. With its’ main campus located in Stevens Point, UWSP saw a 6% increase in enrollment at its’ main campus.
“UW-Stevens Point saw the largest growth among UWs in full-time enrollments, tied only with UW-Madison, and is among the top three UW schools for graduate student enrollment growth,” said Lana Poole, chief marketing and enrollment officer, “We have expanded the ways we connect with families through more in-person and virtual visit options, meeting students where they are.”
While Stevens Point has seen an increase in enrollment, other campuses can’t say the same. With enrollment issues and budget cuts affecting several UW schools, UW-Milwaukee’s Waukesha campus and UW-Oshkosh’s Fox Cities branch will close following the 2024-2025 academic year.
UWSP-Marshfield’s Campus Executive Anthony Andrews says, however, student retention is up by 12 percent on campus. Andrews explains that though Marshfield’s numbers may show a loss, that dip in enrollment isn’t what it seems. UWSP-Marshfield offers general education courses to high school students looking to get college credit. However, with an increase in freshman and transfer students this academic year they have filled more classrooms with fully enrolled students rather than high schoolers. UWSP-Marshfield currently has 35 high school students taking class with the college; though most have moved to a virtual classroom setting as the in person campus is experiencing an increase in enrollment.
While UWSP-Marshfield does offer two year degrees, Andrews notes that they are hoping more students decide to stay for a four year bachelor’s degree and possibly adding a fifth year to earn a Masters in Business. “We offer everything here that UWSP does in Stevens Point. Students can stay here for four years and earn your bachelors without having to travel.” Andrews said.

UWSP-Marshfield awarded 92.5% of their degree seeking students with scholarships this last academic year. 111 out of 120 students received scholarships, totaling $148,000 with $82,000 given during the fall semester alone.
Andrews is confident and comfortable with enrollment at the Marshfield campus, noting that rather than a decrease they have seen an increase in their retention rate of keeping students on campus, as well as more freshman and transfer students than prior years.
On what’s coming up for UWSP-Marshfield, Andrews said. “I’m very excited about the opening of a new restaurant. The Hungry Hub Restaurant. It will be opening just in time for the holidays and open for the entire community with seating inside. Seeing it develop and come to life has been so exciting. Our Marshfield campus really does embody the idea of a small community with big dreams.”