This past summer, a bipartisan study committee on the future of the University of Wisconsin (UW) System was tasked with evaluating its current challenges and exploring potential solutions. The committee—composed of two Republicans, two Democrats, and stakeholders from both the UW System and the private sector—has now presented its findings to the Joint Legislative Council.
One of the most striking revelations from the study was the disproportionate ratio of staff to students. At the time of the study, there was roughly one administrator for every four students. While student enrollment continues to decline, staffing levels on UW campuses have increased, raising questions about efficiency and resource allocation.
Why are we hiring more personnel to serve fewer students? This is a key concern as Wisconsin’s universities face financial pressures and demographic shifts. Addressing these inefficiencies must be a priority, not only for the long-term sustainability of the UW System but also for ensuring that resources are directed toward student success rather than administrative overhead.
As campuses struggle to adapt to declining enrollment, collaboration will be essential. The study committee’s work underscores the need for greater accountability and a reevaluation of how the UW System is structured. If Wisconsin is serious about preserving its public universities, it must also be serious about ensuring they operate efficiently. The next step is for lawmakers and university officials to work together to develop solutions that prioritize students while addressing the growing administrative burden.
The study committee’s findings serve as a call to action. Rather than expanding bureaucracy, the focus should be on improving the quality and affordability of education for students. As this discussion continues, one question remains central: How can the UW System better serve Wisconsin’s students while responsibly managing taxpayer resources?
Meanwhile, as illustrates in the chart below, a significant trend in the University of Wisconsin (UW) System, where student enrollment has steadily declined while state General Purpose Revenue (GPR) funding per student has increased. Over the past decade, full-time equivalent (FTE) student enrollment has dropped from approximately 153,000 in 2014-15 to well below 137,000 in recent years.
Meanwhile, state funding per student has climbed, surpassing $9,000 in 2023-24. This inverse relationship raises concerns about efficiency in resource allocation. As fewer students enroll, the rising per-student funding suggests that taxpayer dollars are being directed toward administrative costs rather than academic improvements, prompting a need for closer examination of spending priorities within the UW System.
Governor Evers’ budget allocates an additional $856 million to the UW System, including $128.9 million for tuition assistance, $166 million for faculty wage increases, and $22 million for student mental health services.