Freshmen, transfer student numbers up at WIU for spring enrollment, but overall enrollment is flat

MACOMB/MOLINE, Ill. — Western Illinois University’s spring-to-spring new freshmen class has increased 18.18 percent from 2022 to 2023, and new transfer students have increased 18.75 percent, according to 10th-day data released by WIU’s Institutional Research and Planning.

International student enrollment and graduate enrollment also increased, with total international undergraduate headcount at 191, compared to 120 in spring 2022 — an increase of 59.17 percent. International graduate student enrollment increased 25.79 percent from spring 2022. Overall, enrollment remained flat with all factors considered, including return rates of students.

In a press release, WIU president Guiyou Huang said, “Enrollment and retention have been, and will remain, two of my major focuses since coming to Western two years ago. Thanks to the efforts of many teams and individuals on campus, we continue to move in the right direction with our enrollment.

“We will continue to focus on providing student-centered programs and services, with innovative teaching and hands-on, real-world experience for students, and offering extensive scholarship opportunities to make our education experience accessible and meaningful to everyone.”

“We know our students have a plethora of incredible options for college. I welcome everyone to consider WIU and come to campus and meet us. We are so excited to welcome the students who chose WIU this spring,” Vice Oresident for Enrollment Management Amber Schultz said.