Montcalm Community College Enrollment Surges by 16% This Fall

URGENT UPDATE: Montcalm Community College is witnessing an unprecedented enrollment surge, with a staggering 16.2% increase this fall, bringing the total to 2,035 students. This remarkable growth has left President Bradley Barrick almost speechless at the recent MCC Board meeting held in Sidney Township.

As the college rebounds from its pandemic lows, the numbers reflect a significant upward trend in student registrations, marking a pivotal moment for the institution. Just last year, MCC enrolled 1,751 students, and compared to 1,414 students in fall 2020, this rise signifies a 44% increase over three years.

During the board meeting, Barrick announced that 1,654 students are already registered for the upcoming spring semester, which represents a 16.54% jump compared to the same period last year. Additionally, total contact hours at MCC—used to calculate state funding—are up by 18.83%.

“It’s mind-blowing,” said Barrick. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re going to lead the state again in enrollment in the spring. If we’re not first, we’ll be second.”

The surge in enrollment can be attributed to various factors, including a focus on dual enrollment programs that have seen a massive uptick. This fall, 704 dual-enrolled students are part of the student body, surpassing last year’s spring total of 664. In a remarkable growth trajectory, dual enrollment has increased by 134% since fall 2020.

Montcalm Community College has not only reached the 2,000-student milestone for the first time since 2012 but is also approaching its all-time high of 2,328 students from fall 2009. This growth indicates a renewed interest in community college education, particularly as students seek affordable paths toward higher education.

Looking ahead, Barrick and his team plan to expand their outreach, particularly into Ionia County, where they have seen a growing number of enrollments from local high schools. The highest number of dual-enrolled students comes from Belding High School, with 88 students currently enrolled.

MCC Board Vice Chair Carol Deuling-Ravell raised concerns about meeting the needs of these new students, particularly regarding transportation for those living farther from the Sidney campus. Discussions are underway about potential partnerships for a physical presence in Ionia County to better serve these students, especially given that Ionia High School is located 23 miles from campus.

“We are on the front end of those conversations,” Barrick stated, indicating that they are exploring options that would not require significant investment. “It would be a very soft launch.”

With enrollment numbers continuing to trend upward, the administration remains optimistic that these figures will improve further as the January semester approaches. As Montcalm Community College navigates these changes, the focus remains on providing quality education and access for all students in the region.

This rapid growth in enrollment is an encouraging sign for community colleges across the nation, highlighting the essential role they play in providing accessible education during challenging times. Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops.