Alabama community college enrollment growing faster than national average

Alabama’s community college enrollment is climbing at a higher rate than the national average, according to data released by the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) on Wednesday.

Neil Scott, vice chancellor for academic success, told the ACCS Board of Trustees that the number of enrolled students grew from 76,761 to 85,793 between the Fall 2024 semester and the Fall 2025 semester, an increase of over 9,000 students (11.8%) year over year. Twenty of the system’s 25 schools are showing an increased headcount, Scott said.

“2024-2025 was our largest head count that we have seen since the 2011-2012 school year,” Scott said. “It’s just an absolutely huge enrollment year for ACCS, and something that our presidents and their faculty and their staff should be extremely proud of.”

Nationally, community college enrollment is climbing after a dip from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Higher Ed Dive, community college enrollment had a 5.4% increase in spring enrollment from 2024 to 2025. The ACCS had a 9.8% increase over those two semesters, Scott said. 

“We appreciate the commitment that you have to make this system the change agent that it can be, and is already, that brings an opportunity for so many people to make their lives better,” Chancellor Jimmy Baker said.

Alabama’s enrollment has been higher than the national average in the past. In January, Scott reported that enrollment trends were about 3% higher than the national average. 

Baker said in an interview after the meeting that Alabama’s higher than average enrollment growth is attributable to the presidents and staff at its schools continuously recruiting students.

“We’ve got 40,000 students that are in dual enrollment,” Baker said. “It wouldn’t happen without a good group of presidents and good staff, and we’ve worked hard. Fortunately, a lot of our presidents were in the high school business, so they understand that process.”

Susan Price, Baker’s chief of staff, announced at the meeting that ACCS has partnered with the Alabama Weather Network, a free weather service provider started by Alabama meteorologist James Spann. 

“James and his team will deliver real time weather updates that keep Alabamians informed and safe,” Price said. “Through this partnership, ACCS will be featured on broadcast digital platforms and in community outreach.”