Overall system decline ranks well below national average of 5.6%
Despite major impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic on community colleges nationwide in 2020, preliminary data shows that enrollment decline at Illinois community colleges is well below the national average with many of Illinois’ 48 community colleges seeing enrollment increases in 2021, according to the latest fall enrollment report compiled by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB).
Richland Community College experienced a slight 0.8% increase in headcount with full-time enrollment numbers slightly above the national average at 5.9%. Online and dual credit student enrollment has also increased.
President Cris Valdez commented on the increase, “As the College has continued to navigate this unprecedented pandemic, it has been challenging to predict or anticipate enrollment trends and outcomes. While much work remains, we are pleased to continue to serve this community and look forward to continued growth.”
As for the remainder of the Illinois’ Community College System, the ICCB 2021 Fall Enrollment Report shows that fall enrollment is down 1.5% overall compared to a 13.7% overall decline in 2020. That 1.5% is well below the national average of 5.6% and is the smallest rate decline for the Illinois Community College system overall since Fall 2010. In addition to Richland, 16 Illinois community colleges saw enrollment increases in Fall 2021 compared to just three (3) for the 2020 fall semester.
“We are encouraged by our fall enrollment numbers and what they represent compared to the trends over the last several years where the annual rate of enrollment decline sat between 3%-4%. We believe this data signifies an upward trend in students returning to advance their educations at community colleges throughout Illinois in the years to come,” said ICCB Executive Director Brian Durham.
The report data suggests an increase in online access to classes as one potential reason for the increased enrollment at many community colleges compared to pre-pandemic years.
Statewide, online students accounted for 57% of the overall student population in fall 2021 and 62% of all students in the fall of 2020. In contrast, prior to the pandemic, online enrollments represented only 24% of the population in fall 2019, 22% in fall 2018, and 21% in fall 2017.
Dr. Isaac Zuniga, Vice President of Student Success, commented, “Throughout the pandemic our students have shown amazing flexibility and resilience in advancing toward their personal and educational goals, be it online or in person. As an institution of higher learning, we are committed to ensure that they have the support and resources to persist and complete no matter the modality.”
While fall enrollments have declined in recent years, the numbers of graduates in the Illinois Community College System have increased considerably since 2001 and 2006. The number of collegiate-level degrees and certificates awarded to Illinois community college students totaled 38,240 in 2001 and 49,267 in 2006, compared to 61,774 in 2021.
Dr. Valdez added, “At Richland, we have been and continue to be intentional in presenting Richland as a welcoming and inviting institution of choice, and we believe this approach has helped us to realize a level of stabilization in enrollment and student success.”
The full report is accessible online at http://www2.iccb.org/data/studies-reports/student-reports.