MEDIA CONTACT:
Kenyon “KJ” Askew, Jr.
Director, Marketing & Strategic Engagement
klaskew736@nashcc.edu
252-451-8235

Nash Community College Continues Fall Enrollment Growth

ROCKY MOUNT, North Carolina (September 1, 2026) – Nash Community College is continuing its enrollment momentum, welcoming 3,305 students for the Fall 2026 semester, a 5% increase in headcount compared with Fall 2025.

The college also experienced growth in full-time equivalent enrollment, or FTE, of 5%. FTE is particularly important because it is the primary enrollment measure used to determine state funding for institutions within the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS).

The Fall 2026 results reflect growth among students from across the college's service area, including a 10% increase in Nash County residents enrolled at NCC.

“These numbers represent much more than enrollment growth; they represent more individuals choosing NCC as the place to build their futures,” said Dr. Lew K. Hunnicutt, president of NCC. “Whether students are preparing to enter the workforce, advancing in their careers or planning to transfer to a university, our responsibility is to provide the education and support they need to succeed. We are proud that more students throughout our community continue to place their trust in Nash.”

The college welcomed 854 new students for the fall semester.

Enrollment increased across nearly every age demographic, with the exception of students age 65 and older. Among students ages 25 to 44, enrollment increased 7%, the largest percentage increase among the college's age groups.

The continued increase among adult learners comes as NCC has expanded its focus on reaching and supporting adults who are considering beginning college, returning to complete a credential or developing new skills.  

In recent semesters, those efforts have included targeted adult learner marketing and outreach, expanded use of data to identify prospective students, professional development focused on adult learner enrollment and continued enhancements to the college's Element451 customer relationship management platform.

“We recognize that the path to college looks different for an adult learner who may be balancing a career, children and other responsibilities,” said Dr. Wendy Cook, vice president of student services at NCC. “Our work is increasingly focused on meeting students where they are and helping them navigate the process from their first question through enrollment and ultimately completion. Seeing continued growth among adult learners tells us there is both a need and an opportunity to keep doing that work.”

Enrollment among female students increased 6%, while enrollment among male students grew 3%.

NCC also saw continued growth in its Career and College Promise population, with dual-enrolled student enrollment increasing 4%. Career and College Promise provides eligible North Carolina high school students opportunities to earn tuition-free college credits while still in high school.

Several academic programs experienced notable year-over-year growth, including Industrial Systems Technology (up 47%); Computer Engineering Technology (up 42%); Criminal Justice Technology (up 27%); Human Services Technology (up 26%); Electrical Systems Technology (up 24%); and Associate in Arts (up 18%).

“Enrollment growth is the result of an institution-wide effort to understand who our students are, communicate the value of NCC and make it easier for people to take that next step,” said Dr. K.J. Askew, director of marketing and strategic engagement at Nash Community College. “We have become increasingly intentional about using data, technology, targeted marketing and community-based recruitment to reach populations with significant growth potential, particularly adult learners. The continued growth gives us an opportunity to build on that strategy while remaining focused on the individual student experience.”

The Fall 2026 increase continues a period of sustained enrollment momentum at Nash Community College as the institution works to expand access, strengthen student success and respond to the educational and workforce needs of the region.

Even after the traditional fall semester began Aug. 17, additional opportunities remain for students interested in starting this fall. Select second eight-week courses begin Oct. 15.

For more information about Nash Community College and enrollment opportunities, visit nashcc.edu.

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About Nash Community College 
Nash Community College’s mission is to provide an affordable educational environment which prepares students for university transfer and rewarding careers. Through quality instruction and services, technology, work force development, and community partnerships, Nash Community College provides lifelong learning opportunities to individuals, communities, and organizations. Nash Community College is a public community college in Nash County, North Carolina. It is part of the North Carolina Community College System.