Local Community Colleges See Significant Enrollment Increase

 

(San José, Calif.) — For the second straight semester, San José – Evergreen Community College District (SJECCD) and its colleges show significant enrollment growth compared to the previous year. The back-to-back enrollment increases come following double-digit reductions in student headcount during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

With fall semester classes starting on Monday, August 28, both Evergreen Valley College (EVC) and San José City College (SJCC) show significant year-over-year increases. EVC’s early enrollment numbers show an increase of 19.6 percent compared to last year while SJCC’s early enrollment reflects an increase of 17.2 percent. A similar increase was seen in enrollment numbers at both colleges during the spring 2023 semester as well.

 

“These are preliminary numbers that do not yet reflect late-start classes or the flurry of enrollment activity that takes place during the first week of each academic term,” said Dr. Beatriz Chaidez, SJECCD’s interim chancellor. “While the numbers will continue to fluctuate somewhat, this clearly shows that we have reversed the trend of declining enrollment and are regaining much of that lost enrollment rapidly.”

 

Regaining enrollment lost during the pandemic has been a point of emphasis for both EVC and SJCC, where faculty, classified staff, and administrators have been focused on the effort.

 

Among the successful enrollment strategies has been a free tuition program, which has provided free tuition and zero fees to qualifying students enrolled in at least six units at either EVC or SJCC. This program is still available and enrollment remains open for fall semester classes.

 

Both colleges have also increased dual credit offerings in partnership with local high schools, which allow students to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously and at no out-of-pocket cost to the student.

 

Not only is overall enrollment up across SJECCD, but enrollment has increased among every racial and ethnic group compared to last fall as well, including American Indian students (32.6 percent), Asian American/Pacific Islander students (11.5 percent), Black/African American students (29 percent), Latinx students (16.1 percent), white students (42.3 percent), and multi-racial students (7.9 percent).

 

“These enrollment numbers reflect a lot of hard work by a lot of people,” Interim Chancellor Chaidez said. “They also indicate that our community continues to see the value of its local colleges. Students want to learn from the best faculty, have clear pathways to transfer, and earn a degree that is valued by employers. They know they will have that at EVC and SJCC.”

 

While the semester officially begins in just a few days, both EVC and SJCC offer late start classes and free tuition this fall. Applications are still be accepted and it is not too late to enroll. For more information, visit www.sjcc.edu or www.evc.edu.