The National Park College (NPC) Board of Trustees discussed preliminary fall enrollment data during the regular monthly meeting Wednesday. NPC’s total headcount for credit and concurrent enrollment increased nearly 8% from 2,316 for fall 2023 to 2,495 students for fall 2024.
Darla Thurber, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management shared the fall enrollment report. Credit student enrollment for fall 2024 is 1,821 compared to 1,742 enrolled in 2023 as of the 11th day census count. Semester credit hours for fall 2024 are 22,725 compared to 21,401 for fall 2023.
Average credit hours per enrolled student increased again this year from 12.31 to 12.4. “This is the highest average number of hours to date and means our students are again closer to completing on-time than any years prior,” said Thurber.
The number of high school students enrolled concurrently in college courses increased significantly again this fall. Concurrent enrollment for fall 2024 is 674 compared to 583 students in fall 2023. This is an increase of almost 16%.
Thurber noted, “We are incredibly excited to see the increases in student enrollments this fall. It is a testament to the value NPC provides and the demand for quality education in our community. We are proud of the investment students are making in their futures, and we're committed to empowering them to reach their full potential.”
Bill Ritter, vice president for workforce reported overall noncredit programs served 2,092 students since July 1, 2024, a 38% increase over the same time period last year.
Adult Education has served 554 students since July 1, compared to approximately 444 in the same time period last year. This is an increase of about 25%. Ritter noted the 2023-24 academic year was strong for Adult Education, serving 1150 students, an increase of 21% over the previous year.
The NPC Career Academy saw a decrease in enrollment with 373 students compared to 411 last year. Ritter explained that after seeing a 14% increase in enrollment last year, the Career Academy staff decided to evaluate program capacities to ensure faculty could safely and effectively teach in the hands-on environments. The team determined the ideal enrollment capacity for the Career Academy to be 375. Ritter said, “This fall we have 373 students enrolled, which we believe is the right number for our Career Academy. We believe the students are getting the most out of their educational experience with us and it is still higher enrollment than the 2022-2023 academic year.”
Workforce and Community and Corporate Training programs, which include local and statewide industry training, continuing education, Child Care Aware, and apprenticeships, have served 634 students and logged 43,766 contact hours from July 1 to September 20; compared to 610 students with 47,317 hours for the same time period last year. This is an increase of 4% in student head count, but a decrease in contact hours. Ritter attributed the decrease in contact hours to timing and said he believes this gap will close as reoccurring, longer trainings are scheduled this year.
The Makerspace has served 576 visitors since July 1, compared to about 103 in the first quarter of 2023. “This is an increase of 460% which can be attributed to more community members utilizing the Makerspace, but also the relationships Makerspace Director Mark McCorkle is developing on campus to ensure our students and faculty know the Makerspace is there for them and is a great resource for classroom activities and learning,” said Ritter.
Dr. Wade Derden, NPC president expressed his excitement regarding the enrollment growth and his commitment to making sure students from all walks of life feel welcome on campus. He explained the 18-24 year old population has been increasing consistently over the last decade, but this year the College was seeing more growth in the nontraditional, noncredit and workforce student populations. “This is important to note because we want to make sure the community is aware of all the training opportunities available here. We also want our nontraditional students to know they are welcome here. We want to help them meet their educational and training goals. Whether it is a hands-on trade, a short-term certification or a transfer degree, whatever it is you are hoping to pursue, there’s a place for you at NPC.”