Colby Community College leads Kansas in long-term enrollment growth, increasing 19.5% over 10 years.

The state's latest preliminary enrollment data indicates that Colby Community College continues to stand out with sustained enrollment growth.

The fall report is based on enrollment as of the 20th day of classes. Colby posted a 1.5% increase from the previous year, continuing a long-term pattern. Over the past five years, CCC's 17.8% gain is the highest among the state's 19 community colleges.

Taking a longer perspective, Colby recorded a 19.5% increase over the past decade, also the largest among the community college sector. CCC is the only state community college in the report to post positive growth across the one-year, five-year and 10-year periods.

"These increases in student numbers over the last ten years have not happened by accident," Executive Vice President Nikol Nolan said. "The college lives its mission every day by ensuring students are being served to the best of our ability both in and out of the classroom. These standards are held by faculty, staff, and administration alike, and the students experience this commitment every day. Colby Community College is truly a great place to be!"

The preliminary figures do not represent the institution's final fall report. Courses beginning later in the semester, including the Late Fall session, have historically increased enrollment.

The steady growth comes as Colby continues investing in campus-wide improvements to infrastructure, academic programs, and services to meet the needs of students throughout northwest Kansas and beyond.

In the last year, the College remodeled the cafeteria kitchen and updated the dining area. Construction on a new 80-bed dormitory began in April and will be completed in 2027. Campus security continues to receive attention, with rekeying of over 400 doors and completion of the final phase of digital access door locks for student housing and all exterior entryways. Transportation expanded with the addition of a new 44-passenger bus and two 15-passenger vans, and students will see a renovated campus gymnasium with new goals and a resurfaced floor by December.