Alabama community college enrollment rising

Fall enrollment up 6%; expected spring enrollment up more than 17%

A computer lab at Jefferson State, Alabama’s largest community college.

Enrollment at Alabama’s community colleges is rising rapidly, ahead of the national trend.

Combining academic and technical programs, Alabama’s community colleges saw a 6% increase from 78,524 students in 2022 to 83,509 in 2023.

It’s the third consecutive year with an enrollment increase and beats the national trend, which saw only a 4% increase.

Spring registration is also up by what the colleges term a “remarkable” amount of 17%.

In addition, registration in non-credit workforce programs is also up. More than 27,000 students are enrolled in classes leading to industry credentials and other short-term work readiness programs.

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“Enrollment increases are great news that mean more residents are interested in training that will help them achieve success,” said Jimmy H. Baker, chancellor of the Alabama Community College System.

Baker added, “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.”

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