COD's fall full-time equivalent enrollment up 1.4 percent

College of DuPage 10th Day Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) enrollment is up 1.4 percent for fall to 15,393. Net Total Headcount (full- and part-time students) is listed at 27,034.

“This excellent news reflects our continued effort to meet the needs of our students,” said College of DuPage President Dr. Robert L. Breuder. “They come here for a top-level education with exceptional career and transfer opportunities, and that is what we provide.”

COD's enrollment increase appears to be bucking the trend among community colleges and four-year universities, Breuder noted.

“Full-time enrollment is moving in the wrong direction for many two- and four-year schools, with FTE figures decreasing from a few percentage points to double-digit declines at institutions in Illinois and throughout the country,” he said.

In addition to FTE growth, fall applications to COD rose by 2 percent over the last year, Breuder noted. Of particular interest is an increase in the number of students who are attending the College from outside District 502.

“College of DuPage currently attracts more than 10 percent of its applications from outside the district,” Dr. Breuder said. “We're expecting this number to grow as more and more students recognize the relevance, value and excellence that defines this institution.”

College of DuPage is nearing completion of a $600 million construction and renovation overhaul of its teaching and learning facilities. In addition, since 2009, the College has developed and implemented 46 new certificate and degree programs and has created 10 new “3+1” programs with partnering institutions that enable students to earn BA and BS degrees on COD's campus at a significantly reduced cost.

“We will continue to grow and change, adapting whatever we do to improve the student experience at College of DuPage,” Dr. Breuder said. “These state-reported numbers are a clear indication that we are headed in the right direction."