University of Wisconsin–Waukesha

Waukesha, Wisconsin, United States · Est. 1966 · Public University

A now-closed UW System two-year branch campus in Waukesha that served regional students before ceasing operations in June 2025.

  • Founded 1966 as a two-year college in Waukesha County, Wisconsin
  • Part of University of Wisconsin System; became UWM regional campus in 2018
  • Closed June 30, 2025, after 59 years of operation due to enrollment decline and program duplication
  • Offered associate degrees in arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences
  • Enrollment peaked around 2,000–2,155 credit students per semester; declined 65% since 2014
  • 86-acre suburban campus with field station and arts facilities; now slated for residential redevelopment

Academics

UW–Milwaukee at Waukesha offered a broad two-year curriculum spanning humanities, natural and mathematical sciences, and social sciences, leading to an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree. Many students transferred to four-year institutions to complete bachelor's degrees. In its final years, the campus added bachelor's degree programs in nursing, business, and psychology to stem enrollment losses, but these initiatives proved insufficient to reverse the long-term decline.

Campus & Facilities

The 86-acre suburban campus, purchased by Waukesha County in 1965, opened in December 1966 with Northview Hall, the Library, Field House, and Commons. Over decades, it expanded to include Southview Hall (1969), a Fine Arts Center with a 337-seat Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (1987), and a renovated Student Commons (1996). A 92-acre field station 10 miles west served environmental education and art instruction, featuring native prairie restoration and wood-fired kilns.

Closure & Transition

In March 2024, the Universities of Wisconsin announced the campus would close at the end of spring 2025 semester, citing consistent enrollment declines (65% since 2014) and duplication with nearby Waukesha County Technical College. UWM developed a University Center partnership with WCTC to offer bachelor's and graduate programs on the technical college campus. The physical facility, leased from Waukesha County, is scheduled for demolition and conversion to residential development.

Student Profile & Support

At its peak (fall 2013), the campus enrolled 2,155 credit students (47% full-time, 53% part-time) and 2,907 non-credit students. The student body was 53% male, 47% female, with 9% ethnic minority representation and 43% receiving financial aid. The campus provided segregated-fee-funded student services including peer tutoring, mental health counseling, career services, and centers for diversity, veterans, and LGBTQIA+ students.

Founded
1966
Type
Public University
Courses
8
Total intake
Not yet verified
AffiliationUniversity of Wisconsin System
Websitehttps://uwm.edu/generalstudies/about/waukesha-closure/
HousingNot available
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
8
Avg career outcomes
$55K
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
No
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources