Headcount at the 10-day count for the fall semester was 5,009 students, up from 4,561 students in the fall of 2020, for an increase of 9.1 percent.

The Fort Dodge campus had 1,137 of those students living on campus.

Total credit hours were also up, climbing from 46,285 to 50,511.5, a 9.8 percent increase when comparing fall 2020 to fall 2021. Iowa Central’s increase was among the highest in the state.

“Enrollment increases are always an exciting time at Iowa Central,” said Tom Beneke, vice president of enrollment management and student development. “A 9 percent plus enrollment growth both in credit hours and student head count is certainly something to celebrate. I have learned over the course of many years as the vice president that this is a total college effort, and a tremendous effort at that.”

Beneke added, “Faculty and staff are all involved in recruiting new students to Iowa Central, as well as keeping the students we have currently enrolled. The recognition and praise goes out to them. They are the ones that are helping students at whatever phase they are in, whether new or returning. These are the people in the trenches helping students be successful every day in their college careers.”

Compared to fall 2020, the college experienced increased enrollment in a majority of its career and technical education programs. Automotive technology, criminal justice, computer networking technology, fire science, and HVAC are just a few that saw increases.

Vice President of Instruction Stacy Mentzer, added, “We are seeing increases in almost every area of our institution. This increase brings about a tremendous amount of opportunity for our students. Students learn best in environments where they are surrounded by peers.”

“Iowa Central continues to be a premier choice for community colleges in Iowa.” said President Jesse Ulrich. “We are excited to have students back on campus and fully face-to-face as they work toward a degree for a better life. It is an exciting time to be a Triton as we continue to meet the workforce needs of our region.”