For Immediate Release
October 24, 2025

VANCOUVER, Wash. — Clark College announced a 3.13% increase in total unduplicated headcount as compared to fall 2024, contributing to an overall increase of 18.5% when comparing fall 2021 and fall 2025.

The college released its official enrollment numbers on October 12, at the end of the 10th day of class. Clark College enrolled a total of 9,477 students during the fall 2025 term. This translated to a full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment of 6,469. Additionally, 946 (duplicated headcount) students are enrolled in non-credit classes through Clark College Community and Continuing Education.

Enrollment at community colleges nationwide—including Clark—dropped sharply in 2020. Since then, enrollment at Clark and other community colleges has held steady with small incremental increases. 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.

"Our steady enrollment tells a powerful story about Clark College," President Dr. Karin Edwards said. "Our students transfer to four-year universities, start new careers, and pursue bachelor's degrees right here on our campus. Nearly half are first-generation college students—and that number climbs every year. We're also seeing more students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. These trends reaffirm Clark's mission to deliver excellent and equitable education that opens doors of opportunity for everyone in our community."

A recent Economic Impacts analysis showed that in FY 2023-24, Clark's operations, student spending, and the productivity of our alumni generated $656 million in added income to the region's economy. Clark alumni alone generated $543 million in added income for the regional economy, which is equivalent to supporting 5,730 jobs. One out of every 40 jobs in Southwest Washington are supported by the activities of Clark and its students.

Notable Trends

Overall Enrollment (unduplicated):

• Largest enrollment (both headcount and FTEs) since the pandemic
• 3.13% enrollment increase in headcount from fall 2024
• 18.5% enrollment increase in headcount over past five years (fall 2021 to fall 2025)
• 374 students pursuing bachelor's degrees at Clark, up 17.6% from fall 2024
• 2,241 Running Start students, up 6.4% from fall 2024
• 73 International Programs students, a 19.7% increase from fall 2024

Modality (duplicated):

Students continue to take a mix of online and in-person classes on campus. We are seeing more students on campus with more student clubs and activities.

• Largest enrollment (both headcount and FTEs) since the pandemic
• 3.13% enrollment increase in headcount from fall 2024
• 18.5% enrollment increase in headcount over past five years (fall 2021 to fall 2025)
• 374 students pursuing bachelor's degrees at Clark, up 17.6% from fall 2024
• 2,241 Running Start students, up 6.4% from fall 2024
• 73 International Programs students, a 19.7% increase from fall 2024

Student Type (unduplicated):

The percent of first-generation college students has increased from 38.7% in fall 2021 to 47.4% in fall 2025. Enrollment of students of color has also increased by 7% when comparing fall 2021 to fall 2025.

• 51.8% part time; 48.2% full time
• 23.1% are Running Start students
• 191 student athletes in track, soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball, and cross-country
• 504 students with disabilities
• 257 students are using veteran benefits

Program Type:

Consistent with fall 2024 data, more than half (50%) of students are pursuing transfer degrees and plan to earn a bachelor's degree at a four-year institution.

• 4,958 students (52%) pursuing transfer degrees in various disciplines including pre-nursing, business, biology, and general academic
• 374 students (4%) enrolled in Clark's bachelor's degree programs:
  • 24.6% Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene
  • 23.0% Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity
  • 18.7% Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Management
  • 15.2% Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Services
  • 11.5% Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education
  • 0.7% Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (new in 2025 – full cohort)
• 19.7% enrolled in Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, with the top five programs in nursing, business administration, early childhood education, digital media arts and medical assisting.
• 12% enrolled in Transitional Studies courses (Basic Adult Education, GED preparation, English as a Second Language, high school plus)
• 12.3% in Continuing Education or non-seeking classes

Running Start (unduplicated):

• 2,241 students (equivalent to 1,760 enrolled FTEs), a 6.4% increase from fall 2024
• Top five school districts with Running Start students attending Clark this fall:
  • 605 students from Evergreen
  • 557 students from Vancouver
  • 428 students from Battle Ground
  • 232 students from Camas
  • 136 students from Ridgefield

Student Residence:

• 92.2% Clark County, Wash.
• 7.8% other

Average Age: 27.4 years old

• 60.9% age 24 or young
• 39.1% age 25 or older

• 53.3% Female
• 31.5% Male

• 0.9% Nonbinary
• 14.4% Not reported

Student Race/Ethnicity:

In most categories, Clark enrollment closely mirrors Clark County (CC) demographics:

• 6.9% Asian (4.9% CC)
• 0.7% Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (1.1% CC)
• 12.3% Latinx (12.6% CC)
• 0.3% Native American (0.3% CC)

• 55% White (71.7% CC)
• 14.2% Multiracial (6.5% CC)
• 7.6% Not reported
• 0.9% Other

Dr. William "Terry" Brown, Clark's Vice President of Instruction, attributes the college's continued growth trajectory to dedicated faculty, staff, and administrators. They provide students with a high-quality educational experience and who listen and respond with initiatives based on what the community needs and wants.

Dr. Brown said, "This year marks an exciting milestone as we launch new programs in surgical technology and advanced manufacturing and welcome a full Bachelor of Computer Science cohort. Our mission is clear: to prepare students for the in-demand jobs of today's and tomorrow's workforce and for full participation in the growth and wellbeing of our communities in Clark County and beyond. Clark College is on the move!"

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 8,500 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