Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) recorded its fourth-highest enrollment in history during the Fall 2024 semester. College administrators report that Northeast saw a ten percent increase this fall compared to the Fall 2023 semester, with over 3,200 students registering for classes this semester.

According to NACC President Dr. David Campbell, only the fall semesters of 2009 (3,370 students), 2010 (3,439 students), and 2011 (3,296 students) recorded more registered students than this semester. "This was after the Great Recession of 2008 and many people had lost their jobs," said NACC President Dr. David Campbell.  "I think Northeast was at one of its finest hours during this time because so many community people were able to come to Northeast for training to get new jobs and careers. The college was truly a lifeline for so many people." 

NACC’s Workforce Development and technical programs also saw a significant increase in enrollment this year. Credit hour production (CHP) in Career Technical Education courses saw a 22% increase from Fall 2023 to Fall 2024. Northeast’s new 55,000-square-foot Workforce Development Skills Training Center is now complete on campus. The college will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the $30 million facility next week.

The Adult Education Program at NACC is also thriving. Nearly 1,400 students were enrolled in the program for the 2023-2024 year, which runs from July 1 – June 30 each year.

With the addition of Adult Education and non-credit students, Northeast boasts an enrollment of more than 4,500 this semester.  “Our staff here at Northeast works tirelessly to let area residents know of all the job and career education and training opportunities are available here at Northeast,” added Dr. Campbell. “Everyone at the college participated in recruiting, and each person is important in the process in their own way," Campbell says.  “Andrea Okwu handles overall recruiting along with Dean Jeff Hawes of Student Services and Admissions. Meg Nippers manages our media, advertising, and social media promotions.”

Record-breaking enrollment is trending throughout the state as well. Earlier this fall, the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) announced that the number of residents pursuing academic credit and workforce credentials through Alabama’s community and technical colleges is the highest it has been since 2013. The ACCS reported more than 170,000 residents enrolled in academic courses or registered for adult education and workforce training opportunities between August 2023 and July 2024, marking the first time since 2013 in which enrollment had reached those numbers.

“The slogan of the Alabama Community College System is that we make life better, and the challenge to do so successfully is evident in the support of Alabama’s leaders and in the number of Alabama residents achieving their goals through the colleges’ training,” said Jimmy H. Baker, Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System.

 “This enrollment achievement reflects the growing recognition of the critical role that community colleges play in providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality education to students from all walks of life.”

Northeast provides both academic transfer programs, which include courses guaranteed by law to transfer to state four-year colleges, and career tech programs, which can lead to jobs and careers after two years, and certificate programs, which also can lead to jobs or an upgrade in someone’s skills.  The tuition is at least half or more less than at the state's four-year schools.

"We see patterns and shifts in enrollment since Covid," Campbell said.  "There are more online students now than ever before, and our dual enrollment program has really gotten popular. Of course, that's our goal: to be flexible, adaptable, and adjust with the times and meet our community members wherever their educational needs are."

The commitment of NACC and other Alabama community and technical colleges to align programs with the needs of local and regional employers ensures graduates are job-ready and equipped with the skills required to thrive in today’s competitive job market.

Students wishing to gain assistance with their career path should contact NACC’s College and Career Planning Center. Learn about NACC’s many Workforce Development opportunities at nacc.edu/opportunity. For more information about Northeast Alabama Community College, visit nacc.edu or download the OneACCS app in the Apple Store or Google Play Store. Follow NACC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest announcements, current events, and more.