RENA AQUINO
Census date numbers for TCC’s enrollment confirm a headcount of 49,393 students this fall, just shy of the 50,000 goal set by the college.
The college saw a 4.4% increase since last fall’s numbers and almost a 22% increase compared to the enrollment low point in fall 2021.
“These enrollment gains represent bold dreams of better futures and lives forever changed. Students find value here. We’re honored that they do,” Chancellor Elva LeBlanc said in a TCC press release announcing the growth in enrollment.
Public Relations Manager Reginald Lewis explained that seeing enrollment numbers rise for the college is a success that shows the efforts of engagement from TCC.
“Especially in this landscape, it’s good to know that we are attracting more individuals, and we do that through a variety of media,” he said.
Cecilia Jacobs, executive director of Public Relations and Marketing, explained that while the college didn’t hit 50,000 like they had hoped that post-October enrollment numbers might be the push the college needs to meet the Trailblazing 2030 strategic plan goal.
She said that the marketing team at TCC has found success through sharing students achievement stories at the college.
“This is a great place to get an education, and not just with the current students, but we’ve interviewed a number of folks who have gone on to do great things and just believe that all of our students will be the same,” Jacobs said.
The strategic plan is a five-year road map, Jacobs explained, that includes increasing visibility and engagement, reaching 50,000 in enrollment and achieving 8,000 credentials awarded.
Currently, the college has awarded 8,498 certificates and degrees in the 2024-2025 school year.
Lewis said that TCC is unique in that the college focuses on job readiness and focuses on sending students into the workforce.
“You know, a lot of the institutions are increasing their enrollment, but we’re doing it in a in a different way, because we service our students in a different way,” he said. “We obviously don’t have dorms and some other things, but what we do provide is we provide excellent opportunities to start here and if they want to go on and get a four-year degree, they can do that.”
High demand credentials are a point of focus for the college in the plan, as well, as they survey what industries students find the most success in, as Lewis explained, like the automotive program, aviation and medical studies.
“Things that are growing specifically in North Texas, because we are one of the fastest growing areas in the country. And so, what’s coming here – more and more business,” he said.