College of DuPage sees fall enrollment gains
College of DuPage leaders are optimistic about how the institution is weathering national enrollment trends, reporting that fall 2023 head count is up 5.8% over 2022 figures.
The college's full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment is up 5.4%, surpassing earlier forecasts which anticipated enrollment levels would remain flat.
COD also showed gains in its noncredit Continuing Education program enrollment, reporting a 26.2-percent increase in FTEs.
In May, the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center reported that community college enrollment experienced a modest 0.5-percent increase after two years of large declines.
Enrollment at public and private four-year institutions, however, continued to decline, reporting 0.5-percent and 0.2-percent decreases, respectively.
"Nationally, enrollment declines attributed to the pandemic are leveling out, but higher education continues to struggle overall," College of DuPage President Dr. Brian Caputo said. "Our fall 2023 gains are encouraging and we are excited that students continue to turn to COD for high-quality, flexible academic options."
Provost Mark Curtis-Chavez said the enrollment gains reflect the college's ability to offer what students seek in program offerings.
"We continue to monitor workforce needs and provide a healthy mix of options that provide the credentials students need to succeed along with 21st century skills to make them valuable in the current career market," he said. "In addition, students still have time to enroll in fall classes."
Registration remains open with additional sessions beginning Monday, Oct. 16.
For more information and to apply, visit cod.edu/registration.
The College of DuPage is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Serving approximately 22,000 students each term, College of DuPage is the largest public community college in the state of Illinois. The college grants seven associate degrees and offers more than 170 career and technical certificates in over 50 areas of study.