LEWISTON, Idaho – Despite demographic trends in north central Idaho, Lewis-Clark State College continues to serve more students than ever before. LC State’s spring headcount grew 8.2% compared to last spring to 3,355 students, according to official census day numbers.
LC State has now seen three straight years of spring enrollment growth, including an 11% jump last year, and has far surpassed its pre-pandemic spring enrollment mark of 2,979 in 2020. This is the highest spring enrollment has been since 3,524 students attended in 2018. LC State also saw a 3.1% increase in fulltime equivalency (FTE) and now sits at 2,227.5, its highest mark since 2,263.5 in 2019.
In the fall, LC State saw a 4.3% increase in enrollment and surpassed 4,000 students for the first time in its 133-year history, with an overall headcount of 4,046. Unlike the fall, which saw growth across the board, administrators say the spring bump is largely attributable to an increase in dual credit numbers, which rose 53%, from 605 to 926.
“We’re excited to serve students wherever they are, and Idaho wherever it needs us most,” LC State President Cynthia Pemberton said. “We know that these early connections with Idaho high schoolers can boost go-on rates and help us meet Idaho’s workforce needs, especially in north central Idaho. As such, we’re happy to provide, and expand, this important service in our region.”
Divisions seeing growth this spring include Humanities (17% increase), Nursing & Health Sciences (3%), and Technical & Industrial (3%). The School of Career & Technical Education is up 5% overall. LC State also continues to see modest growth in its niche graduate programs, with 22 students compared to 18 last spring.