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October 27, 2025 –Enrollment at Illinois community colleges increased for the fourth consecutive year, according to the Fall 2025 Illinois Community College Opening Enrollment Report released by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB).
Statewide headcount reached 274,737 students this fall, up 3.7% from 2024. Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) enrollment also rose 3.0% to 152,571. The increase brings statewide enrollment 1.3% above pre-pandemic levels (Fall 2019).
According to the ICCB report, 38 of the state’s 45 community colleges reported year-over-year enrollment increases. Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs grew 9.5%, while transfer programs rose 2.3%. Adult Education and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs declined 6.9%.
Enrollment among high school students taking dual credit courses increased 9.3% compared to last year. About 35.7% of all community college students took at least one online course this fall.
A total of 84,392 students, or 30.7% of all enrollees, attended full-time, representing a 1.8% increase from 2024.
Between 2021 and 2025, statewide headcount rose from 230,490 to 274,737, a 19% increase overall. FTE enrollment grew from 132,358 to 152,571 during the same period.
More detailed demographic and program data will be included in the ICCB’s annual Data Book and the joint ICCB–Illinois Board of Higher Education Illinois Postsecondary Profiles platform later this year.
The full report is available on the ICCB website HERE.
