Western Illinois University’s spring 2026 enrollment is 4,735, according to data from the administration.
That’s a drop of 602 from the fall 2025 semester, when enrollment was 5,337. It’s a decrease of 1,025 from spring 2025, when enrollment was 5,760.
This spring’s numbers include 4,269 students on the Macomb campus, and 466 in the Quad Cities.
WIU’s current enrollment includes 515 freshmen, 467 sophomores, 858 juniors, 1,539 seniors, and 1,356 graduate students.
In a statement emailed to TSPR, Zach Messersmith, Director of Government and Public Relations, said:
“Western Illinois University expected and planned for a decline in spring enrollment which typically drops at all universities. WIU graduated nearly 450 students in December, and the number of spring enrollees is typically lower. WIU graduated a significant international student population at our Fall Commencement and enrollment of new international students has been difficult across the nation. Our increase in retention numbers demonstrate that the strategies we have put in place are working. We are building on the positive momentum as we look forward to Fall 2026 enrollment.”
Tri States Public Radio produced this story. TSPR relies on financial support from our readers and listeners in order to provide coverage of the issues that matter to west central Illinois, southeast Iowa, and northeast Missouri. As someone who values the content created by TSPR's news department please consider making a financial contribution.
