Gadsden, AL – Gadsden State Community College has reported a significant 8.14% increase in student enrollment for the Fall 2024 semester compared to Fall 2023. This growth follows a 7.62% increase in overall enrollment during the 2023-24 academic year when compared to the 2022-23 period. These gains far exceed the national average enrollment increase of 2.5% for 2023-24, as reported by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.
“We are extremely proud of the growth we’ve experienced at Gadsden State,” said Andy Green, dean of Student Services. “These numbers are testament to the hard work of our faculty and staff, who are dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for our students. We’ve worked hard to make higher education more accessible and appealing. It’s exciting to see that effort reflected in our enrollment growth.”
Green highlighted that the rise in enrollment reflects the college’s dedication to offering affordable, flexible, and relevant education. He emphasized that Gadsden State’s accessible approach and diverse programs have contributed significantly to this upward trend.
“As the cost of post-secondary education continues to rise nationally, more students are choosing Gadsden State as a cost-effective option,” Green added. “Gadsden State’s flexible scheduling options, online education, scholarship opportunities, and unique career technical, academic, and healthcare programs are all factors in our enrollment increase.”
One standout area of growth is the Dual Enrollment Program, which saw a 39.43% increase, with 1,478 high school students currently enrolled in college courses. According to Green, this program is designed to give high school students a head start by earning both high school and college credits simultaneously.
“Dual enrollment allows high school students to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously,” he said. “This gives them a head start on their education, and it saves them time and money in the long run. These students gain valuable experience in a college setting while exploring potential career paths in their educational journey.”
Gadsden State’s strong enrollment performance underscores its role as a leader in accessible education within the region, setting a high standard as it continues to offer flexible and quality academic options for students.
