March 23, 2025 -Richland Community College is seeing more students on campus this spring. The college is reporting a 9.1% boost in enrollment (compared to spring 2024) – which includes more than 1,000 dual credit students.
More than 2,500 students are taking courses through Richland this spring. Most of them are going to school part-time, and they are enrolled in transfer programs or are receiving their general associates. There are close to 600 students in career & technical education programs – which prepare students to directly enter the workforce after graduation. As for Adult Education and English as a Second Language, these programs have over 100 students.
Dual credit enrollment saw a 13.4% jump. Last spring, Richland had 897 dual credit students. Now, that number has grown to more than 1,000. Over the past few years, Richland has been working closely with local high schools to increase dual credit enrollment. In fact, the first cohort of the Prep Academy (a partnership between Richland Community College and Decatur Public Schools District #61) graduates from both high school and Richland this year.
“Our significant growth in Dual Credit enrollments underscores our efforts to bridge high school and college education, ensuring students are well-prepared for future academic endeavors,” said Dr. Isaac Zúñiga, Executive Vice President of Academic and Student Success at Richland. “These achievements are a testament to the hard work of our Richland faculty and staff, and our focus on continuing to enhance educational opportunities for all.”
