With over 3,100 students enrolled for the Fall 2026 semester, Enterprise State Community College has reached its highest fall enrollment in the College’s history, marking an almost nine percent increase over Fall 2025.

The historic enrollment comes as ESCC continues to see growth across career technical and healthcare programs while investing in facilities and expanding opportunities designed to meet the educational and workforce needs of the communities it serves.

The Center for Applied Technologies, which officially opened for classes in January 2026, begins its first full academic year with significant enrollment growth across the programs housed in the facility. Mechatronics enrollment increased 44 percent from Fall 2025 to Fall 2026, growing from 57 to 82 students. Automotive Technology saw a 53 percent increase, from 80 to 122 students, and Welding grew 19 percent, from 129 to 160 students.

Growth in ESCC’s healthcare programs is also providing more students with opportunities to prepare for careers that support the region’s workforce needs.

This fall, the College welcomed its first students to the newly renovated Rodgers Hall, named for former ESCC President Matt Rodgers. The facility is home to ESCC’s Nursing and Medical Assisting Technology (MAT) programs and provides updated training labs, classrooms and study areas for students.

Overall MAT enrollment more than doubled this fall, increasing from 60 students in Fall 2025 to 130 students in Fall 2026. While this increase includes dual enrollment, the number of traditional MAT students alone increased by more than 51 percent, from 35 to 53 students.

ESCC’s Emergency Medical Services program, now housed in Wallace Hall, also experienced growth this fall. Overall EMS enrollment increased 21 percent, from 57 students in Fall 2025 to 69 students in Fall 2026. The move to Wallace Hall provides a dedicated training environment for students preparing to serve as future first responders.

Together, the College’s investments in facilities and programs are providing additional capacity to serve students while preparing graduates to enter high-demand fields throughout the region and state.

ESCC is also continuing to expand access to education through multiple campuses, flexible course options and programs designed to serve students at different stages of their educational journeys. Evening Cosmetology courses at the Troy-Pike Center for Technology provide an additional option for students whose work or family schedules may make traditional daytime classes difficult. Dual enrollment also continues to provide area high school students with opportunities to begin earning college credit and career credentials before graduation.

“We are here to change lives and make an impact in our communities,” President Danny Long said. “We have continued to increase our program options and have made significant improvements to our facilities. I think are College’s best day are ahead.”

Students still have an opportunity to begin or continue their education at ESCC this fall through the College’s second mini term, which begins Oct. 13. Registration for the Spring 2027 semester opens Oct. 27.

Individuals interested in beginning their education or training at ESCC’s Enterprise, Ozark or Andalusia campuses are encouraged to apply at escc.edu/apply. For more information about ESCC’s academic and career technical programs, visit escc.edu/programs.