SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - Western Nebraska Community College has seen an 11.9 percent increase in total students for the Fall 2022 semester.
As of September 2, the 10th day of the semester, there were 680 full-time students and 1,230 part time students enrolled in classes, for a total of 1,910. The 10-day report for the Fall 2021 semester showed 1,706 students.
While the 10-day report shows a slight drop in full time students, the total number of students that are considered part-time, meaning students are enrolled in less than 12 credits per semester, increased.
In addition, WNCC enrolled more first-time freshman this fall, an increase of 8.62 percent as compared to last fall.
"We are happy to see growth in our total enrollment for the fall semester," WNCC Interim President John Marrin said. "We have more students taking classes part-time, who are most likely balancing jobs and families, and that's inspiring and rewarding to know that WNCC can help play a part in improving peoples' lives."
The 10-day report also shows that Hispanic enrollment represents just under 25 percent of all students, and more than 28 percent of full-time students. High school students enrolled in WNCC's CollegeNOW! dual-credit program represented 30 percent of the student body. Every county in WNCC's service area is represented in the student population.
"Our mission is to provide opportunities to students from across the Panhandle," Marrin said. "We look forward to building on that success and providing more opportunities to our entire service area."
Top enrolled programs this fall are Nursing, General Studies – Math & Science, Business Administration, and General Studies – Language & Fine Arts.
The full 10-day report will be released at September's Western Community College Area (WCCA) Board of Governors meeting, Wednesday, Sept. 14 at the Scottsbluff Campus.