Calhoun celebrates 10,000-student enrollment; remains Alabama’s largest community college

DECATUR — Calhoun Community College is celebrating a major milestone after surpassing 10,000 students enrolled for the first time in more than a decade.

According to Calhoun President Dr. Jimmy Hodges, the last time enrollment reached this level was fall 2014 with 10,802 students, while the highest enrollment on record was fall 2010 with 12,139 students.

“Reaching this milestone means so much to our Calhoun family,” said Hodges. “It shows that our students, faculty, staff, and community partners all believe in the value of the education we provide. This celebration honors our employees, our progress, and the exciting future of which the college is headed.”

Calhoun’s growth is driven by strategic initiatives that provide students with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed in academics and the workforce, including:

• Opening the new Advanced Technology Center expansion building
• Expanding the Alabama Center for the Arts facilities to include:
  • Opening new loft-style apartments in downtown Decatur for its students
  • Breaking ground on the Academy for Music and Movement
  • Launching the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Imagination Center
• Cutting the ribbon on the new Respiratory Therapy Lab at the Huntsville campus
• Reviving athletics and expanding to 15 teams, including men’s and women’s sports
• Strengthening dual enrollment partnerships and offering scholarships for high school students
• Providing full-time, on-campus mental health services
• Launching a Co-op program for Systems Engineering Technology students
• Remaining the nation’s #1 advanced manufacturing degree-awarding institution in Lightcast EMSI rankings through the vast earn and learn technologies programs.

“Our students want an education that leads to real-world opportunities, which is why our faculty work closely with industry partners to ensure programs meet workforce needs, and our growing enrollment reflects that,” said Wes Rakestraw, vice president of Academic Affairs. “Strong dual enrollment partnerships are a key factor in our success, providing high school students access to college credit and affordable pathways to well-paying careers,” Rakestraw adds.

The college’s ongoing expansion to support students also includes a new $16.7 million, two-story, 29,800-square-foot Student Union building, announced during last month’s groundbreaking ceremony

“This new facility represents progress and our commitment to creating a vibrant environment where students can learn, connect, and feel a sense of belonging,” Hodges said. “It will provide much-needed dining options along with comprehensive student services support.”

Calhoun offers more than 150 local, in-person, hybrid, and fully online programs, including 11 nationally accredited degree pathways, all at an average tuition cost that is just one-third that of a four-year institution.

“This 10,000-student milestone reflects more than numbers. It shows how connected students feel to Calhoun,” said Kassie Mathis, vice president. “They choose to be here because of a supportive community, programs that challenge them, and services that celebrate their accomplishments. With new facilities and continued growth, Calhoun is ready for the next chapter.”

Graduates from Calhoun earn, on average, $11,300 more per year than those with only a high school diploma, reflecting the college’s strong focus on workforce-ready skills training.

“We will keep our fingers on the pulse, and remain committed to providing accessible, student-focused education and workforce training that strengthens North Alabama’s economy, its businesses, industries, and communities,” Hodges said. “Calhoun’s impact on the region exceeds $802 million, and our academic momentum is stronger than ever.”