Enrollment at Iowa Valley Community College District is up 6.42% this fall, according to a report from its Office of Institutional Research. Barb Klein, IVCCD Dean of Enrollment Services, gave the official 14-day count to IVCCD Board of Directors last week revealing the data as provided to the State of Iowa.
The total number of students taking credit courses at Ellsworth Community College and Marshalltown Community College grew from 2,803 in 2007 to 2,983 this fall. Total credit hours increased 5.05%, from 28,932 in 2007 to 30,394 this fall.
Klein explained that a district initiative focusing on retention seems to be one reason for the increase. "We really benefit by being a smaller institution when it comes to hanging on to our students," says Klein. "Each student has a faculty or academic advisor that helps guide them as they select classes. Our faculty and staff did an excellent job making sure that students got in the right classes early to ensure that they're on the right path toward graduation. We can provide that personal touch and students know they are important here."
"This past year we also had a targeted focus on high schools in our district," explains Klein. "Last year we averaged 20% enrollment of our district's high school graduating classes and this year we improved that to 24%," said Klein. "We have tried very hard throughout this past year to let our area students know that we offer a great education at an affordable cost. With our new facilities at ECC, MCC, and Iowa Valley Grinnell I think it shows our commitment to our students and the importance we place on being the best!"
Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls had a 7.90% increase in all students, from 1,025 to 1,106 students this fall. Credit hours increased from 11,177.5 in 2007 to 12,003.5 this fall. Full-time students, taking at least 12 credit hours, increased 9.02% or 57 students from the previous fall. Part-time students increased 6.11% or 24 students.
“Students are so excited to see all of the construction,” said Mollie Teckenburg, ECC Provost.
Marshalltown Community College in Marshalltown and Grinnell had a 5.57% increase in total enrollment, from 1,778 last fall to 1,877 students this fall. Credit hours increased from 17,754 to 18,390 this fall. Full-time students, taking at least 12 credit hours, increased 4.49% or 40 students from the previous fall. Part-time students increased 6.64% or 59 students.
Districtwide enrollment of high school students who are dual enrolled and taking college credit courses has increased 13.77%. There are 584 high school students earning credit through MCC, an increase of 19.67% since last fall. There are 176 high school students enrolled through ECC.
Both colleges have the largest percentage of students in the 18-22 age group: ECC 54.52%, MCC 40.22%. Data shows that 94.67% of MCC students are Iowa residents and 88.97% of ECC students are residents of Iowa.
"I am incredibly pleased with the growth this fall," says Klein. "It takes a lot of hard work on the part of lots of folks; we're fortunate to have a staff and faculty that rolls up their sleeves and does what needs to be done to help our students be successful!"
