The National Park College (NPC) Board of Trustees discussed preliminary fall enrollment data during the regular monthly meeting Wednesday. Combined credit and noncredit enrollment for the 2025–2026 academic year shows NPC served more than 4,845 students, up from approximately 4,630 in fall 2024. While credit enrollment dipped slightly, workforce and community education programs saw double-digit growth, reflecting the College’s broad impact across the region.
Through the first quarter, the NPC Workforce and Community Education Division has continued to build on the strong growth achieved during the 2024–2025 year. Overall noncredit programs have served 2,392 students since July 1, a 12% increase over the same period last year.
“We are honored to serve our community through programs that span every stage of life,” said Bill Ritter, vice president for workforce. “Whether it’s adult learners strengthening their skills, apprentices gaining hands-on training, or young students discovering new interests in summer camps, NPC is helping people prepare for high-wage, in-demand careers.”
Enrollment in the College’s Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC Apprenticeship programs has grown by nearly 20% since July 1, reflecting a growing demand for skilled trades. Career Academy high school vocational programs have seen a 5% increase in enrollment with 390 students compared to 373 last year. Child Care Aware® childcare worker certification program has served 28% more individuals year-over-year.
The Adult Education program continues to expand, offering free education and job skills certifications to even more local residents. Since July 1, the program has served 581 students, a 5% increase over 2024.
Continuing Education saw a 64% increase this year, serving 172 students compared to 105 in 2024. Courses include professional development and personal enrichment opportunities that help individuals upskill for work or explore new interests.
Summer camp participation surged 90% this year, serving 198 campers compared to 104 in 2024.
“Our summer camps reach students at the very beginning of their educational journey,”
Ritter said. “When kids get hands-on experiences at an early age, it sparks interests
that
can grow into future career paths. It’s exciting to know those first steps are happening
here at NPC.”
The Makerspace served 465 visitors since July 1, compared to 472 during the same period last year. Specialized workforce training has served 78 students so far in 2025, compared to 122 in 2024. Ritter noted that 2024 was a year of unprecedented growth, so some year-to-date comparisons look lower, but overall engagement remains strong.
Alongside these gains in workforce and community programs, NPC’s credit enrollment also remained strong following last year’s record-setting growth.
Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Darla Thurber reported that credit enrollment for fall 2025 is 1,756 compared to 1,821 in 2024 as of the 11th day census count. Semester credit hours for fall 2025 are 21,314 compared to 22,725 for fall 2024. Average credit hours per enrolled student decreased this year from 12.4 to 12.
Thurber noted that last fall was a record-setting year for NPC, and this year’s results show that the College has retained most of that momentum.
“We knew it would be difficult to top the historic 8% growth we saw in 2024, but the good news is that we’ve maintained total enrollment numbers and gained on the concurrent side,” Thurber said. “That growth shows more local families and students see NPC as the place to begin their college journey, strengthening our pipeline for the future.”
The number of high school students enrolled concurrently in college courses increased again this year. Concurrent enrollment for fall 2025 is 697 compared to 674 students in fall 2024, an increase of 3.4%.
NPC President Dr. Wade Derden emphasized the importance of measuring the College’s success across all programs, credit and noncredit.
“Our credit enrollment remains solid after last year’s record growth, but what excites me most is the impact we’re making across the community,” Derden said. “From short-term training and apprenticeships to summer camps and concurrent enrollment, we are helping more people of all ages find opportunity. Whether you’re pursuing a degree, a trade, or a new skill, there’s a place for you at NPC.”