Alamance Community College has recorded its best enrollment growth in ten years. The student population rose by an impressive 13.7 percent over this time last year, standing at 4,705 as of August 26 compared to 4,139 on the same date in 2023.

 

Equally impressive and important, ACC’s Full-time Equivalent (FTE) numbers increased 11.2 percent over a year ago, from 1,574 in 2023 to 1,750 this week. FTE refers to a formula used by the NC Community College System Office to compute the number of classes students are taking. These numbers are subsequently used to determine each college’s operating budget.

 

Contributing to the increase is the record number of high school students taking free Career and College Promise (CCP) credit courses while simultaneously earning their high school diplomas. CCP headcount on August 26 showed an increase of 9.9 percent over a year ago. CCP enrollment stood this week at 1,496 compared to 1,361 in fall 2023. Additionally, the FTE numbers for CCP students went up 2.5 percent, from 406.5 in 2023 to 416.6 this fall.

 

ACC’s overall enrollment increase this month tops that of 2015, when the College reported a 6 percent rise in enrollment. That was a year that 53 of 58 North Carolina community colleges had a flat or declining enrollment.

 

Said ACC President Dr. Ken Ingle: “We are thrilled that Alamance Community College’s fall enrollment numbers are the highest they’ve been in a decade. This milestone is a testament to the hard work of our faculty and staff, and reflects the growing recognition of the value ACC offers. Our commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education continues to resonate strongly within our community, attracting a diverse group of students eager to enhance their skills and broaden their horizons. It’s been a total group effort on the part of our faculty, staff, advisors, and marketing efforts to let our current and prospective students know we are here for them. We are committed to their success.”