Back to Media Home Page

MARSHFIELD – UW-Marshfield/Wood County has met its enrollment targets – registering 656 students as of Sept. 19.

“Despite the recent hikes in tuition throughout the University of Wisconsin System, we continue to be receptive to students’ academic, financial and social needs,” said Dr. Andrew Keogh, dean and chief campus officer.  “We remain committed to the idea that higher education is for everyone.”

Jeff Meece, assistant campus dean and director of student services, said this year’s numbers represent the second-highest freshmen class in the 41-year history of the campus.

“We are excited to have 245 new freshmen on campus this year,” Meece said.  “We’re up 7 percent in continuing students as well.  Students, on average, are taking a larger number of credits, than in the past.  Initiatives, such as the Engaging Students in the First Year program, are really benefiting students and helping to create a positive college experience for them.” 

About 80 percent of students who start at the two-year colleges return for a second year, according to statistics compiled by the UW Colleges, Madison.  This compares to 71 percent of students who start at a University of Wisconsin four-year institution.  In addition, 78 percent of students who start at a two-year campus graduate and earn a degree, compared to 72 percent at a four-year institution. 

A recent survey of the new freshmen indicates that proximity to home and lower tuition costs were the primary reasons for attending “The Wood,” Meece said. 

“This continues to reinforce the idea that our Marshfield campus is a critical component of the Central Wisconsin community,” he said.