LEWISTON, Idaho – While many Idaho colleges are indicating a decline in enrollment, Lewis-Clark State College has seen an uptick in its headcount according to the Oct. 15 numbers released by the college.
Thanks, in part, to a 4.1 percent increase in students coming straight from high school, LCSC’s total headcount is 3,633, a modest increase from a year ago. Overall, new entering students are up by 8.8 percent. Due to a policy change by the Idaho State Board of Education, Tech Prep students (high schoolers earning technical college credits) are no longer included in total headcount. This adjustment is reflected in the percentages listed.
“It’s encouraging that we have the largest first-year class in several years, and overall headcount is up, bucking a trend at many colleges,” LCSC President J. Anthony Fernandez said. “Enrollment remains a primary focus at Lewis-Clark State College and this is encouraging.”
LCSC continues to serve a largely first-generation population, with 68.8 percent of its student body composed of first-generation college students. Meanwhile, the diversity of its student body is increasing as well thanks to a 12 percent increase in racial and ethnic minority students.
“With an improving economy, federal and state policy changes, and increased competition for students, it gets more and more challenging for colleges and universities to maintain, let alone grow, enrollments,” said LCSC Vice President for Student Affairs Andy Hanson. “This fall’s enrollment reflects the hard work LCSC’s faculty and staff do to offer a curriculum that is engaging and relevant. Students recognize the quality of our programs and services and know that LCSC will provide a quality educational experience.”
The Oct. 15 report comes after Lewis-Clark State set records for both graduates and degrees awarded at spring commencement.