East Central College Enrollment Increases 12.8 Percent

Increased outreach to students and a streamlined enrollment process are just two of the factors behind a 12.8 percent increase in enrollment at East Central College this fall.

A total of 2,675 students are enrolled this semester, up from 2,371 last fall. Students also are taking more classes, with 25,976 credit hours registered compared to 24,420 in Fall 2024. The final enrollment report was completed Sept. 15.

“This increase is about more than numbers. It’s about students having the resources and opportunities they need to succeed,” said Dr. Jon Bauer, ECC President. “We are committed to meeting the needs of our region, whether through academic programs, transfer pathways, or workforce training.”

“I am especially grateful to our faculty and staff for their dedication throughout the enrollment process, ensuring students begin the semester prepared and supported,” he added.

Student Support and Outreach

The enrollment increase reflects stronger follow-up with students from application to enrollment, as well as changes that shortened the timeline and expanded access to resources. Earlier posting of financial aid awards and additional scholarship opportunities also played a role in retention.

“Focused outreach and a more efficient enrollment process made a measurable difference,” said Sarah Leassner, ECC Vice President of Student Development. “By connecting with students earlier and removing barriers, we’ve been able to support them more effectively.”

Dual credit enrollment increased by 42.9 percent this fall, with students earning a total of 3,929 credit hours. In addition, 154 high school students are enrolled in ECC classes outside of the dual credit program, including Early College Academy participants.

Full- and Part-Time
This fall, 45 percent of ECC students (1,215) are enrolled full time and 55 percent (1,460) are enrolled part time. While the number of full-time students rose slightly from last year, part-time enrollment increased by nearly 25 percent.

ECC reported 1,732 full-time equivalent (FTE) students this fall, up from 1,628 last year. FTE is calculated by dividing total credit hours by 15, the standard full-time load.

Top Academic Programs
ECC’s most popular program continues to be the Associate of Arts degree. Other leading programs this fall include:

• Associate of Arts – 1,226 students
• Nursing – 88
• Education – 54
• Computer Information Systems – 50
• Health Information Management – 39
• Fine Arts – 38
• Business – 32
• HVAC – 32
• Radiological Technology – 28
• Paramedic Technology – 27