OCC reports first year-over-year enrollment increase since 2016

ONONDAGA, N.Y. — Onondaga Community College (OCC) is reporting higher enrollment figures — in a year-over-year comparison — for the first time since 2016.

OCC says 8,112 students are enrolled for the current academic year, a nearly 11 percent increase over the 7,320 students enrolled during the 2022-23 academic year.

OCC credits the rise to nationwide trends showing prospective students and families taking advantage of the “high-quality and affordable options a community–college education provides.” Community college enrollment increased more nationwide this academic year than in any sector in higher education, the school said.

In addition, 68 percent of OCC students who complete their degrees “do so without having loans to repay,” per the Tuesday announcement.

OCC also lists new academic programs as a reason for the higher enrollment. The programs include social media and digital communication; sound recording; laboratory science; cybersecurity; construction management; multiple “here to career” and transfer programs in its School of Health, Wellness & Human Services; and the new Micron-related electromechanical–technology program.

Crews will also complete OCC’s new Micron Cleanroom Simulation Lab in 2025 along with new CNC machining, welding, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) training centers.

OCC also points to an increase in “seamless,” transfer–pathway agreements with four-year schools, along with the addition of more OCC Lazers athletics teams including Esports and competitive cheerleading.

The school will also add men’s and women’s wrestling in the 2024-2025 academic year.

OCC says it will host an open house for prospective students and their families this Saturday beginning at 9:30 a.m.