(WDNews) – Lurleen B. Wallace Community College reports enrollment has grown 21.6% since fall 2020, contributing to statewide growth that has pushed Alabama’s community colleges past 100,000 students in credit-based programs this fall.
LBW also reported a 12.1% increase in credit-hour production over the same period. Both figures measure growth since fall 2020, rather than a one-year increase.
“LBW’s enrollment growth reflects the value of our mission and our continued focus on creating pathways to prosperity for all individuals within our communities,” said Dr. Brock Kelley, LBW’s president.
The Alabama Community College System said fall enrollment in credit-based programs has exceeded 100,000 for the first time since 2010. The system reported a sixth consecutive year of enrollment growth, with preliminary fall 2026 enrollment about 3% above the final fall 2025 total.
ACCS said 16 of its 24 colleges are seeing enrollment increases this fall. The system cautioned that the fall figures remain preliminary while Mini Term II courses are finalized.
LBW said its academic, technical and workforce programs are designed to prepare students for continued education and careers.
Read LBW’s announcement: https://www.lbwcc.edu/news/lbwenrollmentincrease
Read the ACCS release: https://www.accs.edu/blog/2026/10/19/accs-for-credit-enrollment-tops-100000-for-first-time-since-2010/