Columbia State Community College kicked off the Fall 2024 semester with the largest enrollment increase since the COVID-19 pandemic. As of the 14-day census, Columbia State was leading the state community college enrollment.

“We are excited about the growth,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. “I am especially appreciative of the faculty and staff who have worked throughout the spring, summer and fall to recruit and enroll students.”

Columbia State saw a 17.7% increase in total applications for the Fall 2024 semester. Fourteen-day census numbers show a 10.6% increase in overall headcount since Fall 2023; and up 6.7% over the past three-year average.

Full-time equivalency enrollment is up 5.7% over Fall 2023. FTE is the formula that determines how many students are attending full-time.

Other notable enrollment increases include: first-time freshmen enrollment up 5.5%; high school dual enrollment students up 29.2%; and adult (non-traditional) students up 10.7%.

“We are so proud that Columbia State faculty and staff truly model our mission of changing lives through teaching, learning and service to all citizens of southern Middle Tennessee,” said Cissy Holt, Columbia State vice president of Student Affairs. “By being student-ready and working together as one college supporting the citizens of our service area and beyond, we were able to meet our goals. It has been amazing to have so many students on our campuses since classes began August 26. Our students have been engaged and are so excited to be at Columbia State. Their enthusiasm is contagious!”

Due to the college’s continuous growth, Columbia State has continued its partnership with the TMA Group | Franklin Transit Authority to provide free public transit rides for Columbia State Williamson Campus students through the “Show I.D. – Ride for Free” campaign. In addition, the college opened the new Arts & Technology building on the Williamson Campus in Spring 2024; and recently broke ground on the new Southern Regional Technology Center on the Columbia Campus, which is slated to open in Fall 2027.

Columbia State enrolled 5,656 students comprised of 2,700 full-time students and 1,304 freshmen. Final enrollment numbers are to be determined by the Tennessee Board of Regents.