Danville Area Community College (DACC) has seen a significant increase in enrollment for the Fall 2024 semester. The College’s crucial Tenth Day numbers show total active credit hours are up 8.9 percent, reflecting the institution’s ongoing recovery from the effects of the pandemic, according to a news release.
Full-time student credit hours rose by 846.5, while part-time student credit hours increased by 793. In addition, high school students enrolled for credit saw a 9.7 percent boost.
“This semester marks a full recovery from the downturn in enrollment we saw during the pandemic,” said Dr. Stephen Nacco, President of DACC. “Our total credit hours this semester surpass those of Fall 2019.”
DACC has experienced steady enrollment growth over the last 18 months. This past summer, total active student enrollment increased by 8.4 percent, while total credit hours jumped by 21.8 percent. Full-time students contributed an additional 553 credit hours, part-time students added 217, and high school credit hours increased by 6.7 percent.
Nacco credits much of this growth to the DACC Foundation’s scholarship program, which awarded over 800 scholarships, totaling more than $1 million.
“This year marks the third consecutive year of 100-percent scholarship funding, meaning every qualified student who applied and attended DACC received financial support,” Nacco said.
Another key factor was the Provost’s Promise program, which provided free tuition to first-time, full-time in-district students. More than 50 students qualified for this initiative, designed to support students who meet academic standards and scholarship deadlines.
Finally, new programs like Cancer Registry and updates to existing programs like moving Sonography and Echocardiography from certificates to Associate degree programs, have contributed to increased enrollment, as well, a new release states.
Though funding sources look at tenth day numbers, the College still has opportunities available for students who wish to enroll for fall. There is still time to register for DACC’s 8-week classes, which begin Oct. 21.
DACC continues to prioritize student success by offering programs and resources that reduce financial barriers and promote academic achievement.