Temple College Continues Year-Over-Year Enrollment Growth, Seeing a 22% Increase Since Fall 2021

Continued fall 2024 growth expected as TC enrolls for eight-week courses that begin Oct. 21

Temple College continued its trend of year-over-year enrollment growth this fall, notching an 11% increase over last fall and realizing a 22% increase in headcount enrollment since fall 2021.

As of Monday morning, Oct. 14, Temple College’s credit headcount enrollment was 5,381 – an increase of 559 students since Fall 2023. Since 2021, fall headcount enrollment has increased more than 980 students.

Administrators expect continued increases this fall as the College is enrolling for the semester’s second round of eight-week classes, which begin Oct. 21.

Headcount enrollment numbers represent those students enrolled in credit courses, said Dr. Christy Ponce, President of Temple College. The College has an additional 3,000 students who are enrolled in workforce training and Adult Education & Literacy programs, bringing Temple College’s overall enrollment to more than 8,000 students.

“In addition to the students in our college-credit programs, we are educating thousands more who are earning certificates and credentials to enter the workforce,” Ponce said. “Our Adult Education & Literacy programs, including English as a Second Language and high school equivalency courses, continue to grow as well.”

Much of this semester’s growth is driven by a substantial increase – more than 30% – in high school students taking dual-credit courses.

“Temple College is experiencing growth in so many areas – from enrollment and scholarships to the physical construction on campus and the number of programs we offer,” Ponce said. “Enrollment continues to rise as we expand opportunities and outreach throughout our service area. We now offer more than 80 academic, certificate and workforce programs to serve our growing population in Central Texas.”

The increase in dual-credit students can be attributed, in large part, to the Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) scholarship program for dual-credit students on free or reduced lunch, established by the passing of House Bill 8 in 2023.

“The FAST scholarship program allows more students from our service area to participate in dual-credit courses at little-to-no cost,” said Dr. Susan Guzmán-Treviño, Temple College Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Services. “This provides wonderful opportunities for these students to take college courses and identify career pathways.”

Temple College also offers several dual-credit programs in service-area high schools, including Legacy Early College High School in Taylor, Early College High School in Hutto, and the Texas Bioscience Institute in Temple and Hutto.

“For the past several years, Temple College’s recruitment and outreach teams have been spending time in elementary, middle and high schools throughout our service area to introduce students to college opportunities and to create a college-going culture,” Guzmán-Treviño said. “We want these children to know that college is attainable, that high-paying careers are attainable. Our hope is that we continue to help these students find the right educational pathway to lead them to bright futures.”

To accommodate the continued growth, Temple College’s physical footprint continues to expand with the construction of four new buildings in Temple and expanded operations and opportunities at campuses and centers in Taylor, Hutto and Rockdale.

“We’re excited about the future of Temple College,” Ponce said. “We’re excited to celebrate the successes of our alumni, guide our current students to successful careers and help them transfer to universities, and we are excited to invite new students to our campuses to begin their educational journeys.”

About Temple College
Temple College is “Your Community’s College,” a dynamic and growing community college that equips thousands of Central Texas students with the knowledge and skills for 21st-century success. Temple College, which has campuses in Temple, Hutto, Taylor and Rockdale, offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs to students who seek to earn credits for transfer, graduate with an associate degree or complete a certificate for fast entry into the workforce.

Founded in 1926, Temple College has enjoyed a reputation for academic excellence for 98 years. It is nationally recognized for its exceptional programs, from visual and performing arts to competitive athletics. The College has become one of the state’s premiere institutions for healthcare providers’ education and training, advanced manufacturing, and workforce development programs. The faculty and staff are committed to providing exceptional quality instruction.