Written by Jeff Angileri | Photos by Craig Schreiner   Enrollment at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has surpassed 12,000 students for a second straight year. According to projections released Friday by the Universities of Wisconsin, 12,270 students are enrolled at UW-Whitewater for the fall 2026 semester, compared to the final fall 2025 enrollment of 12,267. At the Whitewater campus, 11,370 students are enrolled, compared to 11,424 last year. At the <a href="/rock">Rock County campus</a>, 900 students are enrolled, compared to 843. Over the past four years, the university as a whole has seen an overall increase of more than 1,000 students. Enrollment in the fall of 2022 was 11,087. “UW-Whitewater’s commitment to student success, high-quality degrees, hands-on learning experiences and affordability continue to resonate with students,” said Corey King, chancellor. “As we look ahead, our institution is making strategic investments to enhance the student experience even further. A near-$90 million project is now underway to <a href="https://www.uww.edu/news/2026-02-winther-heide-groundbreaking">renovate our flagship education building</a>, Winther Hall, and neighboring Heide Hall. Additional investments include classroom and technology enhancements, undergraduate research, well-being and safety.” Academic programs continue to evolve to help Wisconsin and the greater region thrive. “Last week, we welcomed our first cohort of students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in <a href="https://www.uww.edu/cls/academics/artificial-intelligence">artificial intelligence</a>,” said Pieter deHart, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “In addition to our established reputation for excellence in <a href="https://www.uww.edu/cobe">business</a>, <a href="https://www.uww.edu/coeps/academics/k-12-education">teacher education</a>, and <a href="https://www.uww.edu/coac/academics/music">music</a>, among many others, we are building academic distinction as a university committed to advancing rural healthcare. Our growing program array — including medical sciences, nursing, and pre-professional health tracks — is helping fulfill critical workforce needs.”   <figure><img src="images/mmr/news/2026/09Sept/090226CS_First_Day_Fall_26_1L6A0770.jpg" alt="A large group of students walk down a sidewalk on the UW-Whitewater campus. " width="100%" /></figure>   “<a href="https://www.uww.edu/dual-enrollment">Dual enrollment</a> is a priority for UW-Whitewater,” said Jackie Briggs, vice chancellor for enrollment, retention, and marketing. “More high school students are joining the Warhawk family early to get a jump start on their college education, earn transferable credits, and save money in the process.” The figures released by the Universities of Wisconsin represent projected enrollment based on data from the first day of classes. The university’s official census will take place on the 10th day of instruction (Sept. 16).