National Park College (NPC) has announced encouraging Fall 2026 enrollment results, highlighted by record-breaking concurrent enrollment as well as growth in first-time and transfer students.
Combined credit and noncredit enrollment for fall 2026 shows NPC has served more than 5,339 students, up from approximately 4,845 in fall 2025.
NPC's combined credit and concurrent enrollment reached 2,630 students, representing a 7% increase over the previous fall term and the highest in seven years. Combined student credit hours also increased to 25,864, a 1.5% increase from the previous fall.
Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Darla Thurber reported that credit enrollment for fall 2026 is 1,641 compared to 1,756 in 2025 as of the 11th day census count. Semester credit hours for fall 2026 are 20,018 compared to 21,314 for fall 2025.
The college enrolled 989 concurrent students, a 42% increase over the previous fall. Concurrent student credit hours climbed to 5,846, an increase of 41%.
"We are excited to see so many students choosing National Park College as part of their educational journey," Thurber said. "These enrollment numbers demonstrate the value students and families place on affordable, high-quality education and workforce training opportunities close to home."
Fall 2026 enrollment included 600 first-time students, the highest since 2012 and a 2% increase from the previous year. The college enrolled 102 transfer students, reflecting a 12% increase over the fall 2025, while transfer student credit hours increased by 25%.
Vice President for Workforce, Bill Ritter, also reported overall enrollment increases for the Workforce and Community Education Division.
Noncredit programs have served 2,709 students since July 1, a 13% increase over the same period last year. Child Care Aware® childcare worker training has grown from 365 to 681 students served, an 87% increase. Adult Education programs have served 725 students, a 25% increase over the same period last year.
Workforce training and the NPC Makerspace saw increased engagement with community partners, while apprenticeship numbers remain steady.
The NPC Career Academy experienced a drop this year. Students who enroll in these programs must now meet criteria for concurrent credit, including minimum ACT or Accuplacer scores. Continuing education and summer camps also saw slight declines.
There’s a place for you at NPC. For more information, visit np.edu.