Carroll Community College Sees Enrollment Surge Over 5 percent for 2024 Academic Year

Westminster, MD─ Carroll Community College has seen a steady increase in student enrollment over the past three academic years, with a remarkable rise of over 5 percent this fall compared to the previous fall semester. This growth reflects the College’s commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education and support to its diverse student population.

The increase in enrollment is attributed to several factors, including the expansion of academic programs, enhanced student support services, and ongoing community engagement initiatives. The College has worked diligently to offer a range of degree and certificate programs that meet the evolving needs of students and employers in the region.

Bolstered by growth in workforce education programs and the ballooning costs of post-secondary education at four-year institutions in the U.S., community colleges experienced the highest increase in enrollment among all higher education sectors for the 2023-24 school year, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

“We are excited to welcome more students to Carroll this year,” said Dr. Rose Mince President of the College. “This increase is a testament to our faculty and staff’s hard work and our unwavering commitment to fostering a welcoming and supportive learning environment. We believe that education is the key to success, and we are dedicated to helping our students achieve their goals.”

In addition to the new programs and services, the College has also invested in modernizing its technology, ensuring that students have access to the resources they need to thrive academically. The College’s focus on affordability, flexible scheduling, and online learning options makes education accessible to a broad audience.

Community colleges across the nation gained 118,000 students this academic year, a 2.6 percent increase from the previous year. Community colleges serve about 40 percent of postsecondary students nationwide and offer tuition that is often significantly less than four-year institutions. The colleges also provide flexible scheduling options that make higher education more accessible for students from a variety of backgrounds, according to the Center.

As part of its mission to serve the community, Carroll sponsors numerous community engagement activities and partners with various organizations in the community to reach underrepresented populations, providing scholarships and financial aid resources to help reduce barriers to higher education.

The College saw an over 31 percent increase in English as a Second Language courses over last year’s numbers. The Miller Center experienced a 15.4 percent growth in student headcount from fiscal year 2023 to 2024 in its entrepreneurship classes. These efforts contribute to the success of Carroll County small businesses, and in turn, supports both the County Commissioners’ and Governor Wes Moore’s priority of strengthening small local businesses and entrepreneurship.

“We are deeply committed to understanding and responding to the needs of our community,” said Dr. Kelly Koermer Vice President of Workforce Business and Community Education.  “The significant increase in enrollment for our English as a Second Language courses and the growth in our Miller Center’s entrepreneurship classes are clear indicators that we are on the right track. By actively listening to our community and offering relevant, high-quality programs, we have been able to support our students’ diverse goals and contribute to the local economy. This approach not only enhances our students’ educational experiences but also drives the overall growth and success of Carroll Community College,” she said.

This marks the third consecutive year with increases in both headcount and full-time-equivalents at the College. Carroll has seen considerable increases in the past few years from its dual enrollment population. Although most students take one or two courses a semester, primarily English, Math, and other general education courses, a growing number of students can graduate from Carroll with an Associate degree the same semester that they graduate from high school. These students are getting a tremendous start on their academic and career paths, which saves them significant time and money, and gives them an excellent foundation. Class sizes at Carroll are much smaller than at four-year institutions, which allows faculty and staff to know and support students.

The College has also seen an increase in the number of students who have graduated from high school with dual enrollment credits and then matriculate to Carroll as first-year, full-time students.

“We are very pleased that so many high school students see the value in beginning their college experience at Carroll. While they are here, dually enrolled students get the same support and benefits as all other students. The success rate of our dual enrollment students is well above ninety percent,” said Dr. Kristie Crumley Vice President Academic and Student Affairs and Dean of Faculty.

With enrollment continuing to rise, the College is well-positioned to make a positive impact on the lives of its students and the community at large. The College looks forward to a successful academic year filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and achievement.

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Carroll Community College’s mission is Empowering learners. Changing lives. Building community. Carroll Community College (Carroll) provides accessible, high-quality educational opportunities to advance careers, enrich lives, and strengthen the community we serve. Carroll offers academic and career preparation leading to transfer to four-year colleges and universities, and for direct entry into professional opportunities. Carroll Community College is located at 1601 Washington Road, Westminster, Md., 21157. Visit us on our website at www.carrollcc.edu.