Illinois Eastern Community Colleges (IECC) is reporting steady enrollment this fall, with notable gains among dual credit, career and technical, transfer, and adult education students.
While overall full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment is down just 0.5 percent, Vice Chancellor of Institutional Outreach Tona Ambrose said the numbers reflect “stability and strength” across the district’s four colleges — Frontier Community College, Lincoln Trail College, Olney Central College, and Wabash Valley College.
Ambrose said enrollment declines occurred mainly in the Business and Industry division, due to strategic operational decisions rather than decreased student interest. “IECC’s overall FTE decline of just 0.5 percent is a strong indicator of stability and resilience,” she said.
Dual credit enrollment continues to show strong growth, driven by expanded course offerings, flexible delivery options, and strong high school partnerships. IECC also saw an increase in first-time college students, signaling confidence in local higher education options.
Enrollment in career and technical programs rose as well, with students pursuing hands-on, high-demand fields such as healthcare, broadband telecommunications, electrical distribution, industrial maintenance, and diesel technology. Ambrose credited faculty, academic deans, and employers for aligning programs with workforce needs.
Transfer enrollment is also up, reflecting successful partnerships with four-year universities and IECC’s commitment to clear academic pathways and affordable education.
Adult education enrollment climbed through outreach and flexible programs such as Integrated Career and Academic Preparation System and Alternative Method of Credentialing, which help adult learners earn credentials while improving foundational skills.
Ambrose attributed the district’s continued success to collaboration and the Guided Pathways initiative, which helps students define academic and career goals early on.
“IECC’s greatest strength lies in our people — those who are committed to our mission and who continue to dream big and meet students where they are,” Ambrose said.
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