WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and SportsEnrollment at UW Colleges rises 5 percent

Enrollment at UW Colleges rises 5 percent

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Nearly 14,000 students are enrolled in the University of Wisconsin Colleges this fall, setting a record and topping last year's enrollment by almost 5 percent.

There are a total of 13,807 students enrolled in the state's 13 two-year campuses.

UW Colleges and Extension Chancellor David Wilson attributes the increase to the relatively low cost. Tuition remained frozen this year, the third year in a row, while it increased 5.5 percent at the four-year UW schools.

Wilson says the two-year schools offer a "no-frills" approach to higher education -- no marching band or football, just courses. He says students can save money during their two years and then transfer to a four-year university.

Tuition at the UW colleges is about $4,300 for the 2009-10 academic year.