Parkland College Enrollment Reflects Boost in First-Time Students, Diversity

Parkland's 10th-day enrollment report indicates increased demand from students seeking affordable, transferable college credits, skills in high-demand technical fields.

Fall enrollment at Parkland College includes strong gains in diversity, Early College, and first-time-college students, according to the college's official 10th-day enrollment report. The gains indicate increased demand from students seeking affordable, transferable college credits and skills in high-demand technical fields. 
 
This fall, Parkland enrolled 6,014 students in credit-bearing courses, reflecting a 1.9-percent increase in full-time equivalency over Fall 2023. While student headcount remained steady at only four fewer students this fall than last, the number of first-time-college students entering Parkland's doors increased by 7.5 percent, or 111 students, over Fall 2023. The college also noted increased diversity in its student body since last fall semester, with a 6.6-percent increase in the number of Black and African American students from last year to this year.
 
"Enrolling at Parkland College is a smart investment in your future," said Parkland President Pamela Lau. "Increased enrollment among first-time-college students is outstanding news for Parkland and the communities we serve. When students enroll, they take their first step on the pathway to economic security. Whether they plan to transfer to a university or enter the job market with new technical skills, this class of students will contribute to a thriving local workforce and economy."
 
Parkland's Early College offerings for area high school students are also seeing strong gains, up 3.1 percent over last fall and serving 1,158 area high school students. Early College enrollment figures include students taking dual credit courses taught in area high schools, high school students taking college courses on campus, and enrollment in the Early College and Career Academy.
 
The Early College and Career Academy, serving area high school juniors and seniors, also saw record-high enrollment this fall, serving 236 students in technical programs such as Construction, Education, and Precision Agriculture. An additional 25 ECCA students have enrolled to take Health Professions courses during the spring semester.