MIDLAND Midland College announces a significant milestone in its history, with preliminary enrollment of 6,059, more than a 15% increase for the 2024 fall semester. With the second fall term still to register, this marks the highest enrollment figure since 2011.
Michael Dixon, Midland College Provost, praised the work of the college.
“Amid challenges such as FAFSA delays, which are negatively impacting colleges across the country, Midland College has done the hard work to ensure students have opportunities,” Dixon said in a news release.
One of the primary measures impacting the enrollment growth is the local financial support for students — over the next academic year, the college will award almost $2 million in scholarships. Additionally, the college will continue to introduce new programs designed to eliminate financial barriers. These initiatives align with MC’s strategic pillars of Access and Student Success, underscoring the college’s firm commitment to supporting its students.
Joseph Granado, vice president of Student Services at Midland College, attributes this achievement to the concerted and collaborative efforts of the college’s staff and faculty over the past year.
“We are incredibly proud to have surpassed our enrollment goal across all programs, including dual credit, transfer, and technical training. We are excited to share this accomplishment with our community, and we will continue to work diligently to meet our community’s educational needs and goals.” Granado said in the release.
Midland College’s commitment to access, a key pillar of its strategic framework, is evident in its efforts to recruit and serve a growing number of students and community members. The college is dedicated to expanding its impact by making education more accessible to a wide range of learners.
MC President Damon Kennedy expressed enthusiasm for future growth.
“We set a target to reach 6,000 students this fall. We anticipate even greater enrollment by Fall 2025, thanks to our new initiatives, including offering free dual credit for all high school students and expanding our course offerings in critical fields such as energy technology, natural gas compression, and behavioral health. I want to thank the Midland College Board of Trustees for their unwavering support of the work of the entire college.Their trust is crucial as we navigate a changing higher education landscape,” Kennedy said in the release.
In January 2024, Midland College embarked on a comprehensive master planning process, evaluating existing facilities and aligning future plans with local school districts and industry partners. This strategic planning is crucial in response to the city’s growth and the evolving job market. The college’s focus on career and technical training reflects its commitment to providing high-quality education that equips students with the necessary skills to excel in both higher education and the workforce.
Midland College remains dedicated to its mission of fostering academic excellence and preparing students for a successful future. The college looks forward to continuing its growth and helping students reimagine their future.
