Johnston Community College celebrates historical enrollment surge

Submitted by Johnston Community College

SMITHFIELD — Johnston Community College is celebrating a historic milestone, having reached recordbreaking enrollment figures for the third consecutive semester. The college has enrolled 5,708 degreeseeking students at the start of the fall semester, marking an increase of nearly one thousand students compared to last fall, which was also a landmark moment for the college as it saw its first doubledigit increase in enrollment.

Applications to JCC have surged by 18 percent from last fall, reflecting a growing demand for affordable and high-quality education.

"We are thrilled to have so many new and returning students join the JCC community," said JCC President Dr. Vern L. Lindquist. "This growth demonstrates the strong appeal of our programs, the value of our education and the trust that students and their families place in us. As we continue to expand our reach and improve our offerings, we are poised to transform even more lives through education."

Several factors have contributed to this enrollment boom, including initiatives that make higher education more accessible.

Nearly one thousand recent high school graduates are attending JCC tuition-free, thanks to the JoCo Commissioners Promise, a program that provides last-dollar funding. Additionally, the NEXT NC scholarship program offers free community college tuition to households earning less than $80,000 per year, significantly lowering the financial barriers for prospective students.

“We are committed to providing quality education and support to our students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college,” Dr. Lindquist said. “With these new resources and initiatives, JCC is becoming a leader in affordable education and opportunity.”

To learn more about enrollment opportunities and financial aid, visit www.johnstoncc.edu.