Heartland Community College enrollment rose slightly for the new fall term, up 2% percent compared with last year. Enrollment by new students grew more than the overall number, at 6%, with the college reporting its most diverse class ever with minority student enrollment rising by 13%.
“We continue to see an enrollment recovery that made major strides last year and remain well ahead of community college peers across the state and nation,” said Sarah Diel-Hunt, vice president for enrollment and student services.
The college said at least some of the gains came from a new strategic enrollment management plan developed partly during the pandemic.
“The college is making strides in areas of enrollment growth identified with this plan, including minority students, work- ready program enrollment and the enrollment of students over age 25,” said Diel-Hunt.
Heartland did not include adult education and continuing education students in its enrollment measurements.
Illinois State University said it will release its fall enrollment figures later this week. Typically, colleges report enrollment numbers after the 10th day of classes to allow for last-minute additions and drops by students.
Heartland enrollment is up 18% compared with peak COVID in the fall of 2020. Minority enrollment is up 24% from the fall of 2020.
