LCSC enrollment jumps 8 percent to near record high

LEWISTON, Idaho – Spurred by an unprecedented surge in both transfers and students coming straight from high school, enrollment at Lewis-Clark State College has jumped 8 percent, according to the college’s official Oct. 15 census day report.
It’s the third consecutive year of enrollment growth at LCSC and the school’s head count now stands at 3,924, up 291 students from last fall’s total of 3,633. The mark is the second highest in school history, falling just 75 students shy of the record 3,999 set in 2011.
“This significant increase in enrollment confirms that word is spreading about the high quality programs available at Lewis-Clark State College,” LCSC President J. Anthony Fernandez said. “Our efforts to put students first, meet them where they are, and deliver quality programs at an affordable price are paying dividends. Enrollment growth in programs like those offered at LCSC is critical to the future of the state of Idaho.”
While many Idaho institutions have reported flat or even decreases in enrollment, LCSC’s head count continues to grow thanks, in large part, to a 13 percent increase in Idaho students coming directly from high school and a 7 percent increase in transfer students. At the division level, the Humanities, Nursing & Health Sciences, and Technical & Industrial divisions had the greatest increases.
“Students continue to tell us that LCSC stands out because of the effort we make to understand and meet their needs,” said LCSC Vice President for Student Affairs Andy Hanson. “Students are at the center of all we do and that’s why so many continue to choose Lewis-Clark State College.”
The influx of students enrolling at LCSC straight out of high school comes on the heels of a 5 percent increase last fall, and plays a large role in the college’s 3.4 percent rise in full-time enrollment.
More students from both inside and outside the state are making LCSC their top choice. Idaho resident enrollment is up by 9 percent while out-of-state enrollment has increased 5 percent.
LCSC, which has the lowest tuition among Idaho’s four-year public institutions, continues to serve a largely first-generation population, with 68 percent of its student body composed of first-generation college students. Last year that number was 69 percent.
Lewis-Clark State College’s head count has grown by 29 percent since 2004, and by 23 percent in the last 10 years. It also has seen a record number of students graduate in six of the past eight years, including the past two.
Note: due to a policy change by the Idaho State Board of Education last year, Tech Prep students (high schoolers earning technical college credits) are no longer included in total headcount. This adjustment is reflected in the total enrollment numbers and percentages listed.