College currently leads Michigan community colleges in increased headcount and credit hours

Early enrollment numbers are showing Glen Oaks Community College with a 14.8 percent increase in enrollment and 18.42 percent increase in credit hours as the Fall 2023 semester gets underway, leading the pack of Michigan’s 28 community colleges.

“Over the past several years, we have placed a great deal of emphasis on high school options, enrolling our area high school students in the dual enrollment, Early Middle College and career and technical education programs,” said Dr. David H. Devier, Glen Oaks president.

“More recently, we have called new attention to the Michigan Reconnect program, which focuses on educating adult students without a certificate or degree. With the low unemployment rate, it has been more difficult to attract these students due to their job responsibilities.”

There are currently 115 students enrolled as part of the Michigan Reconnect program, which represents a 22% increase from over a year ago.

Glen Oaks total fall headcount of 1202 is split close between traditional students (609) 51%, and high school students (593) 49%. 

The credit hour total is also up at 10,323, representing an18.42% increase over fall, 2022 numbers. 

Early numbers reported by the Michigan community colleges show about a third reporting modest increases, a third showing slight increases or holding steady, and the last third experiencing a decrease in headcount.  

“The increased enrollment shows signs of an encouraging recovery since 2020 when pre-pandemic student headcounts were just over 1,600 for the 2019-20 academic year,” said Devier. “Campuses across the nation have been working extremely hard to gain back students since the downturn. It is reassuring to see these numbers turn around.”