Cowley College Sees Enrollment Growth for Second Consecutive Year

Cowley College is celebrating continued enrollment growth this fall, with preliminary census day figures showing a 2.5% increase in year-to-year headcount enrollment. This marks the first time in recent years that the College has experienced two consecutive years of enrollment growth.

According to the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR), the state’s public higher education system has now experienced three consecutive years of enrollment growth, with overall headcount up 2.2% compared to last year.

At Cowley, the momentum reflects a shared focus on student access and success. Eighty-five percent of Cowley students are Kansas residents, highlighting the College’s strong connection to the state and its communities.

Cowley College President Dr. Michelle Schoon said, “I attribute this to a collegewide effort focused on supporting enrollment management and retention. I also credit some of our increase to key programs that meet industry demands, such as welding and nondestructive testing, along with programs that support health and human services—specifically education, medical coding, pre-nursing, CNA, and paramedic. The College continues to focus on student success and retention, with an increase in fall-to-fall retention numbers and a significant increase in retention of part-time students.”

Enrollment data is collected annually by the Kansas Board of Regents on the 20th day of the fall semester and reported in both headcount and full-time equivalency.

Cowley College remains committed to helping students achieve their educational and career goals while strengthening the workforce and serving as a partner to communities across Kansas.

Hunter Ferguson | Integrated Communications Specialist
Cowley College
125 S. 2nd Street
Arkansas City, KS 67005
hunter.ferguson@cowley.edu