The following story was published by Capitol City Now/WTAX Radio on Sept. 9, 2026.

Freshman numbers at the University of Illinois Springfield are the second highest ever, while total enrollment is down. The freshman total is 353, second only to the fall of 2019’s 373.

The university said Wednesday the freshman total is 353, up 13 percent from a year ago and second only to the 363 of fall 2019. Total UIS enrollment fell 356, to 4,004. UIS said the drop is attributed to “challenges” in recruiting and enrolling international students.

“The growth we’re seeing in new undergraduate enrollment reflects the high-quality, personalized educational experience UIS provides,” UIS chancellor Janet Gooch said in the same news release. “Students connect with their professors, become involved on campus and prepare for successful futures, while financial aid and scholarships help make that experience accessible and affordable.”

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