Kansas Community Colleges report rising enrollment Academic Year 2024-2025

 Kansas community colleges are experiencing significant growth, with rising enrollment numbers and dorms filling up before the semester starts. Cowley College, Butler Community College, and Allen County Community College are seeing impressive growth, while Labette Community College is nearing housing capacity. Independence and Kansas City Kansas Community Colleges report full dorms and increased credit hours. 

This surge in enrollment is particularly notable given the struggles of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the state’s 19 community colleges have regained and surpassed their previous enrollment numbers. These trends are driven, in part, by increasing costs for four-year degrees, partnerships with regional high schools, and technological advances.

Community colleges also play a crucial role in local economies through their Business & Industry departments, which offer continuing education and credentials that support community development. Heather Morgan, CEO of the Kansas Association of Community College Trustees (KACC), highlighted the importance of industry partnerships in creating and sustaining local jobs.

“We’re proud of the work our 19 colleges have done to continue to develop local talent,” said KACC’s CEO Heather Morgan. “Industry partnerships are a prominent piece of each college’s role, and this effort leads to the creation and sustainment of local jobs.”

"It's exciting to share that Cowley College is experiencing an upward trend in both enrollment and dorm occupancy," said President Dr. Michelle Schoon. "While we're not at full capacity yet, we've seen a 7% increase compared to 2023," she added.

The community college system continues to provide flexible educational opportunities in many ways, whether via transfer to four-year colleges, distance learning, or stacking certificates to enhance earnings.

Fall in-person 16-week classes are underway as of August 13th, and online classes beginning August 19th. Additional mid-term and late start options are still enrolling. 

To contact an Admissions Representative, email admissions@cowley.edu or apply at cowley.edu.  

Hunter Ferguson | Integrated Communications Specialist
Cowley College
125 S. 2nd Street
Arkansas City, KS 67005
hunter.ferguson@cowley.edu