Heartland Community College reported Tuesday it has returned to pre-pandemic levels of students.
As of the 10th day of classes, student enrollment was 4,436, a 2.5% increase from the start of the fall term last year. Credit hours dropped slightly compared to 2020, by .7%.
“Community colleges across the nation and in Illinois continue struggle with the impact the pandemic has had on enrollment; however, what is encouraging about our numbers at Heartland this fall is our growth in new students. This bodes well for the future,” said Sarah Diel-Hunt, vice president for enrollment and student services.
Heartland reported 1,452 new students, a 23% increase from the start of the fall term last year. Credit hours from new students also rose 11% year to year.
Within the number of new students, Diel-Hunt said there was also a 40% increase in minority new students over 2020 and a 32% jump in new students ages 25+.
“As we continue our strategic enrollment management efforts we hope to see these trends continue as the college adds new Work Ready certification programs targeted at those in the community seeking to change or advance their career opportunities,” said Diel-Hunt.
The 10-day census numbers reflect student enrollment after the add/drop period for credit classes has ended. A number of Adult Education and Continuing Education classes begin at a different point of the academic year, the college said.
