News Releases

Owens Fall Enrollment Total of 7,423 Largest Since 2019

Owens students (from left) Madison Fox, Lance Miller, Aileen Lin enjoy a walk on campus in early September

Owens Community College has built strong enrollment momentum, marking its fourth consecutive Fall increase in total student headcount. For Fall 2025, 7,423 students are enrolled, a 3.7 percent increase over Fall 2024’s total of 7,155.

This also represents the fifth consecutive semester of overall enrollment growth and the college’s largest Fall headcount since 2019, when 8,282 students enrolled. After the enrollment challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, this rebound highlights Owens’ ability to adapt through strong leadership, dedicated faculty and staff as well as programs that meet the evolving needs of students across the region.

Owens remains the region’s trusted provider of accessible, affordable and high-quality education, offering flexible options for university transfer, career credentials or adult learners returning to college, according to Dr. Blake Renner, vice president of enrollment management and student affairs.

A key factor behind the growth is the continued increase in new student enrollment. Owens welcomed 1,951 new students for Fall 2025, a 16.9 percent increase over Fall 2024 (1,669). For the 2024–25 academic year, 2,702 new students enrolled, a 24.4 percent increase from 2,172 in 2023–24.

“Our Fall 2025 total enrollment shows the Owens mission in action. We are meeting the needs of all learners at every stage of their journey,” Renner said. “Students are choosing Owens because of the support, flexibility and value we provide.”

Owens students benefit from career-focused programs, workforce training and university transfer, including stackable credentials and clear, affordable pathways to further education and employment. While other institutions are beginning to expand into these areas, Owens leads through deep community partnerships, personalized student services and a focus on outcomes.

Among the top 10 enrolled programs this fall, healthcare leads the way with four programs – including Registered Nursing (446), Radiologic Technology (64), Physical Therapist Assistant (57) and MRI (52) – reflecting strong student interest and ongoing regional demand. Business programs also remain popular, with Business Management (129) and Accounting Technology (75) attracting solid enrollment. Skilled trades and technology programs like Electrical (77), Welding (64), Cyber Security (57) and Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician Program (52) show continued growth, while Early Childhood Education (52) rounds out the list, highlighting the college’s broad impact across essential career fields.

Owens also serves as a launchpad for students pursuing bachelor’s degrees through university transfer pathways, with 2,487 students enrolled in transfer-focused programs. Business, social sciences and education are among the most popular pathways, including Business (172), Social Work (107), Education (98), Psychology (91) and Criminal Justice (75). STEM-related transfer majors also show strong interest, such as General Science (70), Engineering (62) and Biology (57). Rounding out the top programs are General Arts (59) and Exercise Science (34), reflecting the diverse academic interests of transfer-bound students.

Over the past decade, nearly 10,000 Owens students have successfully transferred and earned a bachelor’s degree, reflecting the college’s strong academic foundation and university partnerships.

“Our role in the higher education ecosystem is essential,” Renner said. “We provide students with a high-quality, affordable start and they go on to earn four-year degrees with less debt, more confidence and a clear sense of direction.”

Renner also noted that enrollment has grown through targeted efforts, such as re-engaging former students, expanding College Credit Plus partnerships for earlier college access and providing a fully integrated support model. From first inquiry to graduation, students benefit from proactive advising, smooth onboarding and personalized academic planning that helps them stay on track and reach their goals.

Fall 2025 enrollment totals are based on the official 14th-day census, which occurred on Monday, September 8. Owens will continue enrolling students throughout the semester in classes with flexible start dates. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.