From OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Owens Community College has built enrollment momentum, marking its fourth consecutive fall increase in total student headcount. For fall 2025, 7,423 students are enrolled, a 3.7% increase over fall 2024’s total of 7,155.
The fall 2025 semester also represents the fifth consecutive semester of overall enrollment growth and the college’s largest fall headcount since 2019, when 8,282 students enrolled.
According to Dr. Blake Renner, vice president of enrollment management and student affairs, Owens remains the region’s provider of accessible, affordable, and high-quality education, offering flexible options for university transfer, career credentials, or adult learners returning to college.
Owens welcomed 1,951 new students for fall 2025, a 16.9% increase over fall 2024, which had 1,669 new students. A total of 2,702 new students enrolled for the 2024-25 academic year, a 24.4% increase from 2,172 in 2023-24.
“Our fall 2025 total enrollment shows the Owens mission in action. We are meeting the needs of all learners at every stage of their journey,” Renner said. “Students are choosing Owens because of the support, flexibility, and value we provide.”
Among the top 10 enrolled programs this fall, healthcare leads the way with four programs – including registered nursing (446), radiologic technology (64), physical therapist assistant (57), and MRI (52) – reflecting strong student interest and ongoing regional demand. Business programs also remain popular, with business management (129) and accounting technology (75) attracting enrollment. Skilled trades and technology programs like electrical (77), welding (64), cyber security (57), and Caterpillar dealer service technician program (52) show continued growth, while early childhood education (52) rounds out the list, highlighting the college’s broad impact across career fields.
Owens also serves as a launchpad for students pursuing bachelor’s degrees through university transfer pathways, with 2,487 students enrolled in transfer-focused programs. Business, social sciences, and education are among the most popular pathways, including business (172), social work (107), education (98), psychology (91), and criminal justice (75). STEM-related transfer majors also show interest, such as general science (70), engineering (62), and biology (57). Rounding out the top programs are general arts (59) and exercise science (34), reflecting the diverse academic interests of transfer-bound students. Over the past decade, nearly 10,000 Owens students have successfully transferred and earned a bachelor’s degree.
“Our role in the higher education ecosystem is essential,” said Renner. “We provide students with a high-quality, affordable start, and they go on to earn four-year degrees with less debt, more confidence, and a clear sense of direction.”
Renner also noted that enrollment has grown through targeted efforts, such as re-engaging former students, expanding College Credit Plus partnerships for earlier college access, and providing a fully integrated support model.
Fall 2025 enrollment totals are based on the official 14th-day census, which occurred on Monday, Sept. 8. Owens will continue to enroll students throughout the semester in classes with flexible start dates.
For more information, visit www.owens.edu.
