Illinois community colleges defy national trend with 4 years of enrollment growth

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Illinois community colleges have bucked the national trend of declining enrollment, experiencing growth for the fourth consecutive year.

A new report highlights that community colleges across Illinois have seen significant increases in student numbers, contrasting with the nationwide decline.

Matt Berry from the Illinois Community College Board attributes this growth to a focus on career training and technical education.

Rock Valley College in Rockford reported a more than 9% increase in enrollment since 2021.

Highland Community College in Freeport saw its enrollment rise by 23% during the same period.

Kishwaukee College in DeKalb County experienced nearly a 29% increase in student numbers.

Sauk Valley College in Dixon reported a 14% rise in enrollment.

Approximately 274,000 new students are enrolled at Illinois community colleges, according to the Illinois Community College Board.

The focus on career and technical education appears to be a driving factor in the enrollment growth at Illinois community colleges, providing students with opportunities in trades, short-term certificates, and healthcare.

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by WTVO. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by WTVO staff before being published.