Jackson and Josephine counties (Sept. 9, 2024) – Rogue Community College (RCC) continues its upward trajectory from the previous year, reporting a nearly 19 percent increase in full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment for the 2023-2024 academic year.
RCC’s growth also stands out at the state level. The college’s 18.9 percent enrollment increase from fall 2023 to fall 2024 far surpasses the average 5.7 percent increase reported by other Oregon community colleges, positioning RCC as one of the top-performing institutions in the state. During the past two fall terms, RCC has achieved a 24.7 percent growth in enrollment, compared to the statewide average of 6.3 percent. Enrollment for fall 2024 is still underway.
RCC’s total student population grew from 8,366 in 2022-2023 to 9,280 in 2023-2024. College officials report the increase is due to the college’s recruitment initiatives, strong community support and commitment to high-quality education.
“This achievement highlights RCC’s collective efforts and the unwavering support of our community,” said RCC President Randy Weber. “We are grateful to our dedicated faculty, staff and Board of Education. Their commitment is fundamental to RCC’s success as an educational and economic cornerstone in Josephine and Jackson counties.”
The surge in on-campus enrollment, which has increased by 50 percent during the past two years, reflects a growing enthusiasm for in-person learning. While online enrollment has remained steady, much of the recent growth has been seen through on-campus courses, indicating a shift in student preferences and scheduling needs.
RCC remains focused on strategic initiatives aimed at improving student success and meeting local industry employment needs. RCC’s commitment to growth and adaptability to expand key programs in areas such as Science, Allied Health, Welding and Automotive Technology mirrors labor market trends in the region.
“We are witnessing a strong comeback from the pandemic, with overall enrollment numbers nearing pre-pandemic levels. Career and workforce program enrollments are reaching all-time highs,” added Weber. “We are seeing our community eager to return to college, particularly in workforce-based programs that lead directly to employment opportunities.”
RCC’s commitment to serving high school students and partners has also contributed to its success. During the 2023-24 academic year, RCC provided 16 training cohorts for high school students in credit and non-credit programs, further strengthening the pipeline from secondary to post-secondary education to skills that translate into employment.
“People are realizing that whether they attend RCC to get their GED, to enhance their earning potential with a short-term certificate or to graduate with a two-year transfer degree, it pays. RCC works. The enrollment numbers show that, and so does the economic impact of RCC,” says Weber.
An analysis done by independent labor market analytics firm Lightcast using data from 2021-22 found that RCC contributes $306.5 million annually in income to the economy. The college’s economic impact includes operations spending, construction spending and student spending, as well as the higher earnings of alumni who entered the regional workforce with new skills after studying at RCC.
Weber says, “We’re excited about the momentum with our strongest transfer partner, Southern Oregon University, in making an even more positive impact in the region and beyond.”
A study done by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce shows that having some postsecondary education, even without earning a degree, adds nearly one-quarter of a million dollars to lifetime earnings. Getting an associate degree adds another bump of nearly $200,000 in lifetime earnings, nearly one-third more than those with just a high school diploma.