EUGENE, Ore. — Lane Community College (LCC) has reported a notable surge in enrollment for Fall Term, marking the institution’s fifth consecutive term of growth. Data presented at the LCC Board of Education meeting Wednesday evening highlighted a 10.1% increase in enrollment figures in the fourth week of the term, in comparison to the same period in Fall 2022. The college has observed a consistent rise in student numbers, with a substantial 18% increase in continuing students and a 7% increase of new students year-over-year.
President Stephanie Bulger expressed her delight at these figures, attributing the growth to the college's commitment to providing quality education and robust support services. "The surge in enrollment is a clear indicator of the hard work and dedication of our staff and faculty in supporting our students' educational aspirations," Bulger stated.
The Full-time Equivalent Student (FTE) metric, crucial for state funding, has also seen an 11.3% increase from the previous year. President Bulger remains optimistic about this trend, acknowledging the challenges posed by the pandemic and the college's adaptive strategies to enhance educational delivery.
The surge in enrollment not only reflects LCC's educational excellence but also brings a positive impact on the institution's financial health. Previously, the college was bracing for multi-million dollar deficits over the next two years. However, the unexpected increase in enrollment has led to a boost in tuition revenue and state funding, surpassing the projections established during the budget's formulation in June. This welcome development signifies a more favorable financial direction for the institution. College leaders are preparing to present a revised budget scenario at the December board meeting, offering a more detailed view of the institution's improved financial standing.
Applications for Winter 2024 term, which begins January 8, are now being accepted. Registration for classes begins November 6.
Lane Community College educates over 15,000 students annually at six locations across Lane County and online. Students and alumni from all 50 states and 79 countries create more than an $675 million dollar impact on the local economy, helping to support more than 8,900 local jobs. Lane provides affordable, quality, professional technical and college transfer programs; business development and employee training; academic, language and life skills development; and lifelong personal development and enrichment courses.