Expanded athletics and increased dual enrollment help Northwest Shoals CC set all-time enrollment record

MUSCLE SHOALS & PHIL CAMPBELL — Northwest Shoals Community College reports its largest enrollment during a single semester in its 62-year history.

This fall’s 5,143 students marks a 10% increase, as of Sept. 9, over last year’s final fall enrollment of 4,665.

This fall is the first time NWSCC enrollment has surpassed 5,000 credit students. The previous record was set in fall 1992 with 4,943 students.

Dr. Jeff Goodwin, president of NWSCC, said the record enrollment reflects the college’s growing regional impact. 

“It truly is amazing to see the increasing number of students we have been able to serve,” Goodwin said. “Our enrollment surge is a testament to the hard work of our faculty, staff, and community partners who ensure NWSCC remains a top choice for students seeking academic and workforce development opportunities.”

According to Assistant Dean of Students Dr. Amber McCown, the college’s growth comes from a combination of expanded athletics programs, increased dual enrollment, greater distance-education opportunities, and more on-campus program offerings. 

“What excites me is that this growth is balanced across so many different areas of the college,” McCown said. “Students are engaging with us like never before – whether that’s through athletics, in the classroom, or online. That growth reflects real momentum for the future.”

First-time freshman numbers at Northwest Shoals grew 20% compared to last fall. Part of that increase can be attributed to the expansion of athletics from four to eight teams over the past year.

“NWSCC has made significant strides since reinstating athletics in fall 2021,” Executive Athletic Director Taylor Franks said. “With the addition of men’s and women’s golf, women’s flag football, and volleyball over the past year, we now offer eight sports teams with 42 more student-athletes on campus. Our Patriot student-athletes make a tremendous impact on student life and in the community. They are vital to student life and our campus atmosphere.”

Other areas of the college experiencing strong growth include the Salon and Spa Management program (up 33%), Health Sciences degree-seeking students (up 32%), Distance Education student credit hour production (up 23%), and Academic Transfer degree-seeking students (up 16%). Dual enrollment also continued its increase by five percent.

McCown said more students are choosing to stay at NWSCC after high school. 

“We are seeing 15 percent more students continue their education with us compared to last year,” she said. “The growth of our dual enrollment program has built a pipeline of students who already feel connected to NWSCC, and we’re proud to see them continue their journey here.”