MADISON, Wis. – Four weeks before the start of the fall semester, applications for admission to the University of Wisconsin Colleges, the UW System’s freshman/sophomore campuses, are on track to hit a record for the seventh straight year.

Unlike most colleges and universities, the UW Colleges will take applications until the first week of classes, which start September 6. “There is still time to apply to UW Colleges,” said Ray Cross, chancellor of UW Colleges and UW-Extension. “We are the open door to the UW system, and we want to keep our doors open as long as possible to welcome both new and returning students.”

As of August 9, a total of 10,941 applications had been received, about two percent ahead of the same time last year. If applications continue at this pace and a normal number of the applicants go on to register, the 13 campuses and UW Colleges Online will enroll about 14,725 students for the fall semester, up from 14,378 in 2010. Enrollment increased 4.1 percent from 2009-1010.

“Even though we had our first tuition increase in five years, UW Colleges is still the best value in the UW System,” Cross said. “Students at UW Colleges get a genuine University of Wisconsin education and can enjoy a seamless transfer to any UW System campus to pursue a bachelor’s degree.”

The UW System Board of Regents voted in June to increase tuition 5.5 percent at all system campuses. Annual in-state tuition at UW Colleges increased $235 to $4,503. The increase marks the end of a four-year tuition freeze for UW Colleges.

UW Colleges is the UW System’s network of 13 freshman/sophomore campuses and UW Colleges Online that offer an Associate of Arts and Science degree and prepare students of all ages and backgrounds for baccalaureate and professional programs.