Clark College Reports Enrollment Increase

For Immediate Release
October 17, 2024

Almost 6% increase in students compared to fall 2023

VANCOUVER, Wash. — Clark College continues to see an increase in enrollment across all categories. At its Oct. 16 board of trustees work session, the college announced a 5.8% increase in total unduplicated headcount compared to fall 2023, and a 16.8% increase between fall 2022 and fall 2024. The college released its official enrollment numbers at the end of the 10th day of class of the fall term on Oct. 4.

A group of students walking across campus.

Clark College enrolled a total of 8,651 students during fall 2024 term. This translated to the full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment numbers at 6,164. Additionally, 879 students are enrolled in community and continuing education classes.

In fall 2020, early in the pandemic, enrollment at community colleges nationwide—including Clark—dropped sharply. Since then, enrollment at Clark and other community colleges has experienced an uptick. Clark's enrollment increased by more than 10% in fall 2023.

Enrollment numbers are provided by the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), which tracks enrollment data for the 34 public colleges in its system

Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards said, "I am so pleased to see our enrollment numbers continue to climb. Our numbers are up in every category: students planning to transfer to a four-year institution, Running Start, international, and those pursuing a bachelor's degree on our campus. It's good news all around for Clark College."

She added, "A notable 47.1% of our students are in the first generation of their family to attend college and 39.1% of our students are 25 or older. Clark is a great place for people to embark on a new career pathway, get a fresh start, and find help along their educational journey."

Notable trends

Enrollment: (unduplicated)

Modality: Similar to 2023, students are taking a mix of online and in-person classes on campus. We are seeing additional students on campus with more clubs and activities.

Student type: (unduplicated)

Program type: More than half (55%) of students are pursuing a transfer degree and plan to earn a bachelor's degree at a four-year institution; this is consistent with fall 2023 numbers.

Running Start students: Comprised of 23.1% of the total student body.

Student veterans:

Student residence:

Student age:

Student race/ethnicity (in alphabetical order); in most categories, closely mirrors Clark County demographics.

  • 6.7% Asian
  • 2.8% Black/African American
  • 0.7% Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
  • 11.0% Latinx
  • 13.9% Multiracial
  • 0.3% Native American
  • 57.5% White
  • 7.0% Not reported

Student gender:

  • 55.4% Female
  • 33.4% Male
  • 0.8% Nonbinary
  • 10.3% Not reported

Despite challenges of rolling out the updated Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at the federal level, Clark's financial aid office has verified and processed more than $7.32 million in financial aid grants and loans to our students fall term. This does not include $2.4 million from other sources for scholarships, veterans, and workforce education.

Dr. William "Terry" Brown, Clark's Vice President of Instruction, attributes the college's continued growth trajectory to its dedicated faculty and staff who provide students with a high-quality educational experience and who listen and respond to what the community wants and needs. "When our community asked for a bachelor's program to train teachers, we delivered—and our first cohort graduated in June. Then our community asked for a two-year program to train surgical technicians, and we are developing that program now. We are committed to training tomorrow's workforce in Clark County for in-demand, living-wage jobs."

About Washington SBCTC

The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) makes higher education accessible and affordable by advocating, coordinating, and directing Washington state's system of 34 public community and technical colleges. SBCTC collectively serves over 262,000 students each year, which makes it the largest system of public higher education in Washington. They serve over 50% of students of color. They are accessible, affordable, and connected to K-12 schools, universities, and employers.

About Clark College

Founded in 1933, Clark College is Southwest Washington's largest public institution of higher education and serves over 8,000 students per term. Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education.

Clark College offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor's and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately 47% of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college. 

For additional information (media inquiries & photo requests):
Maureen Chan-Hefflin, Clark College Communications & Marketing
T: 360-992-2243 E: mhefflin@clark.edu