For Immediate Release
February 12, 2025
Ohio Community Colleges Enrollment Estimates Ahead of National Average
COLUMBUS – Ohio’s community colleges are leading the charge in higher education growth, with fall 2024 enrollment estimates surging by 6.4% compared to the previous year and outpacing the national average growth rate of 5.9%, according to the latest report from the National Student Clearinghouse. This boost in enrollment underscores the critical role of Ohio’s 22 community colleges in preparing a skilled workforce to meet the demands of the state’s booming economy.
As Ohio continues to attract global giants like Anduril Industries, Intel, Honda/LG, and Amazon Web Services, community colleges are stepping up to meet the demand for high-tech talent.
“In this new economic reality, Ohio’s community colleges are the top workforce partner for employers and provide the best value in higher education for students,” said Avi Zaffini, President and CEO of the Ohio Association of Community Colleges. “As new industries and cutting-edge careers take root in Ohio, community colleges remain committed to building employer partnerships, enhancing career pathways, and ensuring students are equipped with the skills necessary to succeed in a competitive labor market.”
Key highlights from the National Student Clearinghouse report:
• The 6.4% increase at Ohio’s community colleges surpassed the statewide average growth for all Ohio undergraduate enrollment.
• Community college enrollment in health professions programs, one of the fastest-growing employment areas, jumped 13.7% over the previous year.
• Enrollment in engineering technologies programs, a crucial stepping stone in today’s high-tech job environment, increased 7.2% over the previous year.
Altogether, Ohio’s community colleges serve nearly 250,000 students annually and support more than 40,000 noncredit learners, offering access to affordable, high-quality education including associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, career credentials, and workforce training.
For more information about Ohio’s community colleges and their role in workforce development, visit www.ohiocommunitycolleges.org.
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About the Ohio Association of Community Colleges:
The Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC) represents the presidents and trustees of Ohio’s 22 public two-year institutions, advancing community colleges through policy advocacy, professional development, and strategic leadership. Serving nearly 250,000 Ohioans annually, community colleges connect students to in-demand careers and are the top workforce partner for Ohio employers with more than 1,000 employer partnerships. The OACC champions a classroom-to-career pipeline, advocating for student opportunity and success, fostering collaboration, and promoting the transformative impact of community colleges on students, businesses, and communities across Ohio.
Media Contact:
Avi Zaffini
Ohio Association of Community Colleges
(614) 221-6222