Illinois community colleges see second largest fall-to-fall enrollment increase in 30 years
Enrollment at Illinois community colleges continues to climb for the second straight year according to the annual fall enrollment report.
Numbers at Kankakee Community College show a 2% uptick for 2023 while the business and manufacturing departments have much larger increases in enrollment. Business students are up 18% while manufacturing is up by 85%.
KCC Vice-President Kari Nugent points to a thriving interest in manufacturing career opportunities.
The report was released Monday by the Illinois Community College Board.
Overall, the Illinois Community College System’s opening Fall 2023 enrollments had an increase in both headcount (+5.7 percent) and Full-time Equivalent (FTE) (+5.2 percent) from the previous year. The Fall 2022 to Fall 2023 increase of 5.7 percent is the second largest Fall-to-Fall enrollment growth in the last 30 years. Only the Fall 2008 to Fall 2009 increase of 7.4 percent during the Great Recession was higher.
“Illinois has the best community college system in the nation—and look no further than our fall enrollment numbers for proof,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With a more than 5 percent increase in enrollment since last year, our community colleges are bouncing back better than ever—showing the rest of the nation what it looks like to support our higher education institutions and the students they serve. On behalf of the State of Illinois, congratulations to administrators, faculty, and students alike on this major milestone.”
“Since the global pandemic, community colleges have effectively adapted to a changed environment, by offering more targeted programming, better instructional delivery options, and broader, more comprehensive student supports. The increase in enrollment is a testament to the success of these efforts and embodies not only the value of our community college system as a whole but the commitment of our staff, faculty and students,” said ICCB executive director Brian Durham.
Statewide enrollment data shows 36 community colleges experienced an increase in headcount enrollment from Fall 2022 to Fall 2023, while just 12 community colleges had a decrease.
“Illinois community colleges continue to fuel the state’s need for a trained workforce that fills good paying jobs in so many industries. Community college students and graduates are the backbone that keeps Illinois’ economy growing year after year which is a testament to our system as a whole,” said David Sam, chair of the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents.
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