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ACC sees enrollment boost

Student count hike most among northern Michigan’s community colleges

News Photo by Julie Goldberg Alpena Community College students enjoy the college’s Back-to-School Bash on Wednesday.

ALPENA — Alpena Community College had the largest enrollment increase among northern Michigan community colleges this school year.

The college’s student headcount increased by 5% this fall over last, while the number of credit hours students signed up for increased by 4.7%.

There are 1,517 students enrolled at ACC this fall, up from 1,445 last year. Credit hours enrolled this year are 14,922.5, up from 14,280 last year.

“It’s not a surprise or something that happens at the last minute,” ACC President Don MacMaster said Wednesday of the increases. “It’s an ongoing focus and a really important part of the college’s business.”

There are many reasons for the increase, MacMaster said, including the high level of instruction at ACC, occupational programs offered, and the impact of dual enrollment and Early College partnerships with area K-12 classes.

MacMaster said the college offers different programs than other community colleges. He said enrollment increased in the college’s nursing program, the utility technology program is full, and the concrete technology program is strong, as in previous years.

The college’s Early College program grew through partnerships with Alcona Community and Oscoda Area schools. The program started originally a few years ago with Alpena Public Schools.

MacMaster said Early College participation is up 31% in credit hours this fall, while dual enrollment is up 7%.

The college has implemented video conferencing systems in area school districts so students can take classes without having to travel to the college’s Alpena or Oscoda campuses.

“That allows us to deliver quality instruction into the K-12s without having to have an instructor drive out there,” MacMaster said.

MacMaster said the college budgeted a 3% decrease in enrollment, so a 5% increase benefits the college greatly.

“It’s not a huge number, but it’s substantial,” MacMaster said. “The surplus we generated from these good enrollment numbers helps cushion us against any downside surprises by the state.”

The state has yet to finalize its 2020 budget, so colleges and K-12 districts are not yet sure how much money they’ll receive for the upcoming school year.

MacMaster said enrollment is the job of every person at the college.

“There’s credit to every person that works here, ranging from people who take care of the buildings and the grounds to folks who deal with students and financial aid who advise them, who give them orientation, who are out in the K-12s,” he said.

Julie Goldberg can be reached at 989-358-5688 or jgoldberg@thealpenanews.com. Follow her on Twitter @jkgoldberg12.

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