Mission College Sees Significant Enrollment Growth for Fall 2024 Semester

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

SANTA CLARA, CA -- Mission College Santa Clara, CA – Mission College is celebrating a significant increase in enrollment for the Fall 2024 semester. Overall headcount has risen by 8 percent, seat count by 9 percent, and full-time equivalent students (FTES) are up by 6.4 percent in comparison to the 2023 Fall Semester. These impressive numbers also show that more than 100% of the college's enrollment target was achieved when the semester commenced in late August.

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These trends reflect Mission College’s strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing student access and support. The college has implemented several measures, such as offering free childcare services, removing health fees, and providing free parking to alleviate financial barriers for students.

Mission College is also a Caring Campus, focused on providing a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment while creating a sense of belonging for all who call the campus home.

Mission College is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where all students can succeed,” Mission College President Dr. Seher Awan said. “These initiatives are designed not only to increase enrollment, but also to support our students in their academic and personal journeys.

Mission College has also expanded course offerings to better serve justice-involved students at Santa Clara correctional facilities and increased classes for English as a Second Language (ESL) students, demonstrating a commitment to meeting the diverse needs of the community.

In addition to academic support, the college provides a comprehensive range of services to ensure students have the assistance they need to thrive. This includes weekly food distribution in partnership with Second Harvest, cafeteria vouchers for eligible students, and $60 e-gift cards for those enrolled in at least three units who meet income criteria. The college collaborates with community organizations to offer housing resources and on-campus assistance for healthcare and CalFRESH applications.

Mental health is also a priority at Mission College, which provides eight complimentary counseling sessions per semester to support student well-being. Facilities are available for students facing housing instability, allowing them to access showers at the Athletics Department near the gym. Additionally, a laptop loan and WiFi hotspot program ensures that students without personal technology or reliable internet can fully engage in their coursework.

“Having access to these resources has made a significant difference in students’ lives,” said Lorrie Ranck, Vice President of Instruction at Mission College. “It’s empowering for students to know that the college cares about their well-being and success.”

To further contextualize these achievements, headcount refers to the total number of individual students enrolled at the college, seat count measures the total number of filled seats in all classes, and FTES is a standardized metric that represents the number of credits students are taking, allowing for a common measure to compare enrollment levels across programs.

As enrollment continues to rise, Mission College looks forward to supporting its diverse student body and helping them achieve their academic and career goals.

Benjamin Demers
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
[email protected]