Alabama Community College System sees huge growth, exceeding national average

For the third year in a row, the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) has seen rising enrollment rates throughout the state.

Growing enrollment stats for Alabama’s community colleges

In 2022, fall semester enrollment at for-credit academic and technical programs (with courses applied toward earning an associate or bachelor’s degree) was 78,524. In 2023, it’s 83,509. That’s a 6% increase, and the highest ACCS has seen since fall 2017 (81,139).

While community colleges nationwide are also seeing rising enrollment rates, Alabama’s 6% figure is above the national average of approximately 4%, according to the National Student Clearinghouse (ACCS).

On top of those impressive stats, dual enrollment has also increased. Through dual enrollment, students can earn college credit while still in high school. From fall 2022 to fall 2023, dual enrollment has increased almost 17%.

“Enrollment increases are great news that mean more residents are interested in training that will help them achieve success, but it’s more than just education and credentials at Alabama’s community and technical colleges that residents are after.

Residents and employers are interested in the partnerships, wraparound services, scholarships and career services that their local community colleges are offering, and we, by nature of being embedded in the community, must remain responsive to the local workforce needs. Supporting our communities is what this System was created for 60 years ago, and that is what we will continue to provide.”

Jimmy H. Baker, Chancellor, Alabama Community College System.

Recent happenings at Alabama community colleges

Throughout Alabama’s 24 community and technical colleges, exciting developments have been taking shape.

• In August, Wallace State Community College opened the new Center for Welding Technology and Innovation Center + announced nearly $49M additional investments.
• This fall, The University of Alabama + Shelton State Community College signed an agreement strengthening their ties.
• In a historic happening this June, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund announced the acceptance of six historically black community colleges in Alabama to receive scholarships.
• A new $7.8M softball facility + new women’s team are coming to Northeast Alabama Community College.
• A new $30M, 600-seat performing arts center is coming to Enterprise State Community College.
• Very recently, the Aspen Institute named four Alabama Community Colleges to their list of the top community colleges in America.

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