Systemwide enrollment grows 3.7 percent from 2024; community colleges surpass pre-pandemic levels
SPRINGFIELD (Oct. 23, 2025) — Illinois community colleges have once again recorded steady growth, marking the fourth consecutive year of enrollment increases, according to the Fall 2025 Illinois Community College Opening Enrollment Report released today by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB).
Statewide, total community college enrollment reached 274,737 students in Fall 2025 — a 3.7 percent increase in headcount and 3.0 percent increase in Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) from the previous year. This year’s growth pushes enrollment 1.3 percent above pre-pandemic levels (Fall 2019), demonstrating the system’s continued recovery and the enduring demand for accessible, affordable higher education across Illinois.
“Year after year, Illinois is seeing increases in community college enrollment, reflecting my commitment to make Illinois the best state in the nation to receive an education,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Accessible, high-quality education transforms lives. Whether it’s an affordable pathway to a four-year institution or an opportunity for specialized workforce development, higher enrollment in our state’s community colleges means more Illinoisans are realizing their full potential.”
Highlights from the Fall 2025 Enrollment Report:
- Overall growth: Systemwide headcount increased 3.7%, and FTE enrollment rose 3.0% from Fall 2024.
- Broad participation: 38 of 45 community colleges reported higher enrollment compared to last year.
- Program trends: Career and Technical Education (CTE) enrollment increased 9.5%, Transfer programs rose 2.3%, while Adult Education and ESL programs decreased 6.9%.
- Dual Credit: Enrollment for high school students earning college credit jumped 9.3%.
- Online learning: One in three students (35.7%) took at least one online course this fall.
- Full-time students: 84,392 students (30.7% of total enrollment) attended full-time, a 1.8% increase over last year.
“Every increase in enrollment represents more students finding their path to success,” said ICCB Executive Director Brian Durham. “Whether they’re earning a degree, advancing their career, or returning to school for new skills, Illinois community colleges are opening doors and transforming lives.”
SUMMARY OF OPENING FALL ENROLLMENT AT ILLINOIS COMMUNITY COLLEGES FROM 2021-2025
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2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
| Headcount | 230,490 | 233,758 | 246,931 | 264,875 | 274,737 |
| % Change from Previous Year | -1.4% | 1.4% | 5.6% | 7.3% | 3.7% |
| FTE | 132,358 | 132,913 | 140,029 | 148,165 | 152,571 |
| % Change from Previous Year | -4.3% | 0.4% | 5.4% | 5.8% | 3.0% |
The ICCB’s Fall 2025 Opening Enrollment Report provides an early snapshot of enrollment at the 10th day of the fall semester. More comprehensive student-level data, including demographics and program-level participation, will be available in the ICCB’s annual Data Book and through the joint ICCB-IBHE Illinois Postsecondary Profiles platform later this year.
Opening fall headcount by online course students versus on-campus only students, 2021-2025
OPENING FALL HEADCOUNT BY ONLINE COURSE STUDENTS VERSUS ON-CAMPUS ONLY STUDENTS, 2021-2025
“This sustained growth underscores the innovation happening on our campuses,” said Dr. Sylvia Jenkins, Chair of the Illinois Community College Board. “Colleges are adapting to student needs — expanding flexible learning options, strengthening transfer pathways, and deepening partnerships with local employers to align education with opportunity.”
The full Fall 2025 Enrollment Report is available online at https://www.iccb.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Fall_2025_Opening_Enrollment_FINAL.pdf.
About the Illinois Community College Board
The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) is the state coordinating organization for the Illinois Community College System — the third largest in the nation and the leading public workforce development trainer in Illinois. The ICCB administers state and federal grants to community colleges and adult education providers and oversees high school equivalency testing statewide. Illinois community colleges serve more than 550,000 residents each year in credit, noncredit, and continuing education programs.
Media Contact:
(217) 785-7411
matt.berry@illinois.gov