Nash Community College continues its upward enrollment trajectory, reporting significant growth for the Summer 2026 semester and building on the momentum of recent enrollment gains.
The college welcomed 1,389 students during Summer 2026, representing a 9% increase in headcount compared to Summer 2025. Full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment increased by 13% over the same period.
FTE is the primary enrollment measure used to determine state funding for all 58 institutions within the North Carolina Community College System.
“These results reflect the confidence students and families continue to place in NCC,” said Dr. Lew K. Hunnicutt, president of NCC. “We are seeing more people recognize the value of an affordable, high-quality education that leads directly to career opportunities (and it does not have to be a 4-year University). This continued growth demonstrates that our commitment to student success is making a difference.”
Several student populations experienced notable increases during Summer 2026.
Enrollment among adult learners age 25 and older increased by 36%, including a 22% increase among students ages 25 to 44 and a 14% increase among students ages 45 to 64.
The growth reflects a multi-semester institutional focus on serving adult learners through targeted marketing initiatives, expanded enrollment outreach, professional development opportunities through the Belk Center Adult Learner Convening, enhanced data and recruitment tools, and continued utilization of the college’s customer relationship management platform, Element451.
“We have intentionally focused on creating opportunities and support systems that meet adult learners where they are,” said Dr. Wendy Cook, vice president of student services at NCC. “Many of these students are balancing careers, families and other responsibilities while pursuing their educational goals. Our team continues the work to provide flexible, student-centered support that helps them succeed.”
The college also reported growth across several demographic groups, including an 11% increase in male enrollment, an 8% increase in female enrollment, a 21% increase among Black students, and a 19% increase among Asian and Pacific Islander students.
Academic program growth was equally strong, with several programs experiencing substantial enrollment increases. Among the areas of greatest growth were:
- Business Administration: 63% increase
- Electrical Systems Technology: 31% increase
- Associate in General Education: 22% increase
Additional programs across healthcare, workforce training and transfer pathways also contributed to the college’s overall enrollment gains.
“Our enrollment growth is, in part, connected to a strategic, institution-wide effort to connect students with opportunity,” said Dr. K.J. Askew, director of marketing and strategic engagement at NCC. “Through data-informed marketing, targeted outreach, community engagement and technologies such as Element451, we have been able to better identify, communicate with and support prospective students throughout their enrollment journey. The growth we are seeing among adult learners is encouraging because it demonstrates that our message is reaching individuals who may have previously believed college was out of reach.”
As enrollment continues to grow, the college remains focused on expanding access, supporting student success and strengthening its role as a driver of workforce and economic development in eastern North Carolina.
For more information about enrollment opportunities at Nash Community College, visit www.nashcc.edu.
