Southwest Tennessee Community College announces first surge in fall enrollment since the COVID-19 pandemic
(STCC’s Fall ’23 headcount for student enrollment is the first increase, year-over-year, since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in January 2020.)
For more information, contact: Diana Fedinec, Director of Public Relations and Media at (901) 333-4247 or dfedinec@southwest.tn.edu
(Memphis, Tenn.) - Southwest Tennessee Community College has released to the College the census-data student headcount for Fall ’23. As of Sept. 3, 2023, the headcount of students is 6,981, an increase of 3.6% over the Fall ’22 enrollment of 6,736 students. The increase in students is the first in three years for the College since the pandemic hit in January 2020.
Census data is a federal reporting requirement for all colleges that occurs on the 14th day after classes begin.
The surge in enrollment makes STCC the second-largest institution in the Tennessee Board of Regents system and the third-largest for full-time enrolled students.
“Our fall enrollment increase is a welcome indicator for us that we are turning the corner on COVID-19’s negative impact on our student enrollment,” Southwest Tennessee Community College President Tracy D. Hall said. “I am exceedingly grateful to our Southwest Team of faculty, staff and administration whose commitment to our students and the College, grit and determination made this possible.”
Hall said the College anticipates even more enrollment growth as they continue to enroll students for Fall Term 2, which begins Oct. 11. As of Sept. 6, 2023, three days after the census data reporting, the College experienced an 8.03% increase year-over-year with 6,995 students enrolled over last year’s report of 6,475 students.
The College also reported year-over-year increases in the number of dual enrollment students and transfer students enrolled. As of Sept. 6, there was a 17% increase in dual enrollment students (1,611) and an 11% increase in transfer students (399).
“We are on a robust roll to increase enrollment. Our recruitment, advising and enrollment efforts have paid off. Our ability to remain relevant and reimagine Southwest as the workforce solutions center of the Mid-South has made an impact. Most importantly, we are providing the opportunity for thousands of students to change their lives and make a positive difference in our community,” Hall said.