CFCC continues to break enrollment records

Cape Fear Community College hit an enrollment record this semester: 8,886.

This is the largest student body in CFCC’s 52-year history. That last previous record was set in the fall of 2009 when the college enrolled with 8,860 students.

College officials report that the slow economy and poor job market have increased the demand for job training and higher education.

“It’s not unusual to see enrollment increase during times of economic troubles,” said CFCC Public Information Officer David Hardin in a press release. “CFCC’s programs are designed to help give people specific skills needed for a variety of occupations. It’s why community colleges are here.”

Enrollment at community colleges across North Carolina has grown to record levels this year. Compared to last year, community colleges have grown collectively by 27,000 students – that’s the equivalent of adding the student body of UNC-Chapel Hill, according to a press release.

At CFCC, the most popular technical programs are in health care, business, computer technology, culinary arts, early childhood education, criminal justice, and marine technology, Hardin said.

In recent years, the college has been able to accommodate more students by increasing class sizes and offering more online and hybrid courses. CFCC also plans to build several new classroom buildings in downtown Wilmington and at the North Campus in Castle Hayne, according to a press release.