Central Community College has announced a total college-wide enrollment for the 2026 fall semester of 7,063. The slight increase marks the fourth consecutive year of student population growth. The CCC locations with the biggest enrollment growth were the Hastings Campus by 169 students and the Kearney Center by 102 students. Also, full-time enrollment (FTE) increased to 66.17.
Total college-wide enrollment is comprised of students enrolled online and through CCC’s campuses in Columbus, Grand Island and Hastings as well as centers in Holdrege, Kearney, Lexington and Ord and educational hubs in Albion and Red Cloud. CCC also maintains early college programming with students in over 86 Nebraska high schools.
“I’m pleased our enrollments continue to grow compared to last year with increases reported in both headcount and FTE,” said CCC President Dr. Matt Gotschall. “FTE growth is approximately 3.7-percent compared to a year ago and is fueled by an almost 10-percent growth in dual credit and enrollment students in the 86 high schools, which includes home-school students, alone.”
CCC programs that are up include automotive technology, auto body technology, electrical technology, HVAC, dental assisting, information technology and systems, paramedicine and pharmacy technician.
Gotschall credited CCC’s community and workforce education department, enrollment staff, information technology department, faculty and administration for the extra effort that produced positive results.
“We have 34 area high schools now participating in our Nebraska Math Readiness project, which helps address math deficiencies while still in high school,” said Gotschall. “Additionally, we have 24 high schools currently teaching the iMec (mechatronics) curriculum, creating a strong pipeline of students interested in that and related technical programs.”
