By WNCC
SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — Western Nebraska Community College has seen an 8.3 percent increase in total enrollment for the Fall 2026 semester, marking four consecutive semesters of significant enrollment growth and the college’s largest fall enrollment in more than a decade.
The Fall 2026 census report, presented at the October Board of Governors meeting, shows 1,828 students enrolled at WNCC. Part-time enrollment rose by 13.1 percent, while full-time enrollment increased by 1.3 percent.
Overall, student credit hours increased by 3.6 percent, and full-time equivalency (FTE) climbed 2.6 percent from the previous year.
“WNCC is heading in an exciting direction, and there’s never been a better time to be a Cougar,” WNCC President Greg Dart said. “We’re seeing more opportunities for students, and strong partnerships with high schools and workforce partners.”
Dual enrollment continues to be a significant part of WNCC’s enrollment, with 828 students participating in Fall 2026, a 13.6 percent increase from the previous fall. Dual-enrolled students account for 45.3 percent of the college’s total headcount, highlighting WNCC’s role in helping Panhandle high school students get a head start on their college education.
In addition to its Fall 2026 enrollment gains, WNCC led Nebraska’s public higher education institutions in REU growth for 2025-2026, recording a 10.08 percent increase in reimbursable education units (REUs), a key measure used in the state’s community college funding formula.
“Not only does enrollment growth mean more opportunities for students, it also helps strengthen our budget during a challenging time as the state grapples with budget constraints,” Dart said. “This growth puts us on stronger financial footing.”
WNCC’s reach extends throughout western Nebraska and beyond. Students from every county in the college’s service area were enrolled for the fall semester, along with 75 out-of-state students and 78 international students.
As WNCC builds on its enrollment momentum, the college remains focused on providing accessible educational opportunities that support students, strengthen the regional workforce, and serve communities across western Nebraska.