Once again bucking regional and national trends, College of DuPage has recorded its highest ever total headcount enrollment for a spring term. 

The College’s net 10th day credit headcount (full- and part-time students) for the spring 2014 semester reached 28,100, up 1 percent from last spring. Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) enrollment climbed 1.8 percent for spring to 15,626 students.

College of DuPage added 277 students this spring over last and added 269 more FTES, which is the second highest spring FTE count in history. 

Between 2009 and 2014, spring headcount enrollment has increased 7 percent, while spring FTEs during this same period increased 6.5 percent.

This follows a fall 2013 semester that saw the College’s net 10th day credit headcount soar 9.4 percent over fall 2012, while FTE enrollment climbed 7.6 percent.

“This is again further proof that we are realizing our vision of becoming the primary college district residents choose for high quality education,” said COD President Dr. Robert L. Breuder. “At a time when community colleges are seeing regional and national downward trends, College of DuPage is attracting record numbers of students who know they can achieve their educational goals right here.”

In December, the National Student Clearing House Research Center reported that fall enrollment at community colleges continues to decline nationally, down 3.1 percent over the previous fall. This is the sixth consecutive national decline dating back to spring 2011.

“College of DuPage’s enrollment success is due to several initiatives,” President Breuder said. “We continue to offer innovative academics, such as our 3+1 programs that allow students to earn a four-year degree without leaving our campus. And we are constantly striving to create new programs, such as our recently announced initiative to grow enrollments and boost academic success among African American students. 

“Three of our facilities – the McAninch Arts Center, Physical Education Center and Library – reopened in early January after complete renovations. These are the latest transformations in our $550 million in construction and renovation to provide the best in teaching and learning facilities.”

For more information, call Joe Moore, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, at (630) 991-6557.

–News Bulletin news sources