Student Enrollment Surges at UNC and Aims Community College

Enrollment numbers at institutions of higher education in Greeley, Colorado, have experienced notable increases for the fall semester of 2024. The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) has reported an enrollment of 8,443 students, while Aims Community College has welcomed 8,619 students. These figures reflect a continuing upward trend following a significant enrollment surge the previous year.

UNC has registered a 4% increase in its undergraduate headcount, bringing the total to 6,284 students. This growth is particularly important as it indicates the university’s efforts to recover and expand its student population post-pandemic. As noted by Pete Lien, UNC’s associate vice president of enrollment management, the rise is a significant milestone for the institution, which has prioritized enrollment growth since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Classes commenced in late August, and both universities finalized their enrollment data early in the semester. Lien emphasized that new student enrollment is becoming increasingly competitive, stating, “Like many other institutions, we’re also navigating an environment where funding for higher education at both the state and federal levels is uncertain.” He elaborated that such factors have a considerable impact on enrollment trends and the resources available to support students.

Retention Rates Highlight Student Success

UNC has also achieved its highest fall-to-fall persistence rate among undergraduate, degree-seeking students since 2009. Approximately 85.4% of these students either graduated or returned for the current academic year. Lien highlighted that success in retention and persistence reflects a broader institutional commitment to student achievement.

At UNC, retention measures the number of new, first-time students who continue from their first year to their second, while persistence indicates the overall return of undergraduate students from one academic year to the next. Lien remarked, “You don’t get a historical high in anything related to retention or persistence without a collective effort at an institution.” He underscored the importance of creating a supportive environment that fosters a sense of belonging among students.

A major contributor to this high persistence rate is the return of 77.8% of new, first-time students for their second year, marking a record achievement for UNC. Lien pointed out that effective retention strategies are crucial, particularly for students new to the college experience.

Aims Community College Experiences Steady Growth

Aims Community College has also seen growth, with its total enrollment increasing by 6.25% from the previous year. This rise follows a remarkable 20% spike in enrollment during 2023. The Greeley campus now hosts 3,138 students, representing a 2.08% increase from last fall. The number of new students at Aims has also risen, with 986 new students enrolling this fall, an increase of 5.12% compared to last year.

According to Larry Pakowski, Aims’ vice president of student affairs, the college’s affordability, quality of education, and diverse offerings contribute significantly to its enrollment growth. Aims provides a variety of educational paths, including degrees, certificates, and programs aimed at high school students aspiring to earn college credits. Pakowski noted, “There are many different paths that a student can take here,” emphasizing the college’s commitment to accessibility.

Tuition and fees at Aims remain under $3,000 annually for students residing within the college’s tax district, primarily encompassing most of Weld County. Both Aims and UNC offer initiatives designed to make post-secondary education more affordable, including programs that cover educational costs based on income levels.

While Aims has seen a slight decrease of 1.18% in full-time enrollment in Greeley, there has been a significant increase of 4.5% in part-time enrollment, which now totals 1,866 students. Pakowski attributed this increase to online and concurrent enrollment opportunities, allowing students to balance their academic pursuits with work or other commitments.

Additionally, the number of Aims students transferring to UNC has increased, with 150 students making the transition this fall, marking a 34% increase from the previous year. Of these transfers, 92 students participated in the Aims2UNC program, which assists students in completing an associate degree at Aims before pursuing a bachelor’s degree at UNC. This initiative underscores the collaborative effort between the two institutions to enhance educational opportunities within the community.

As the Colorado Department of Higher Education works to compile statewide enrollment data for recent years, historical trends indicate fluctuating student numbers across the state. The highest enrollment recorded in the past decade occurred in fall 2019 with 240,716 students, while the most recent data from 2021 showed 222,869 students, the second lowest total in the last eleven years.

In summary, both the University of Northern Colorado and Aims Community College have demonstrated resilience and growth in student enrollment for the fall semester of 2024. Their efforts to create supportive and accessible educational environments reflect broader trends in higher education, as they continue to adapt to changing circumstances and student needs.