NIC leads Idaho public colleges and universities in enrollment growth
NIC student Julia Jones sits on a bench with her laptop on Monday outside of Lee-Kildow Hall at NIC’s Coeur d’Alene campus.
North Idaho College
North Idaho College led Idaho’s eight public colleges and universities in percentage enrollment growth this fall, according to figures the Idaho State Board of Education released this week.
NIC’s fall enrollment reached 4,833 students, up 3.7% from 4,662 last fall. The increase comes as combined enrollment across Idaho’s public colleges and universities declined 0.7%. NIC recorded the largest percentage increase in the state, followed by the College of Eastern Idaho at 1.6%.
The latest figures continue NIC's sustained enrollment turnaround. Since fall 2023, when enrollment stood at 3,979 students, the college has added 854 students, an increase of 21.5%.
“This is more than a one-year increase. We're seeing sustained growth, and that tells us students and families are recognizing the value of what North Idaho College offers,” said NIC President Nick Swayne. “We've worked hard to rebuild confidence in the college, strengthen our connections with area high schools and make it easier for students to get started. Those efforts are paying off.”
The growth extends beyond overall headcount. NIC's new student enrollment increased 8.6% this fall, from 1,022 to 1,110 students. Full-time equivalent enrollment, a measure of the number of credits students are taking, increased 3%, from 2,700 to 2,781.
Dual-credit enrollment also continued to grow, increasing 2.1% to 1,784 students. NIC's dual-credit program allows high school students to earn college credits while completing their high school education, reducing the time and cost required to earn a college degree.
Swayne attributed the continued growth to a combination of factors, including increased marketing and recruitment, stronger partnerships with area high schools, improvements to the enrollment process and the affordability of a community college education.
The college's enrollment growth comes as NIC continues to expand educational opportunities, strengthen workforce partnerships and develop programs that respond to the needs of students and regional employers.
“What's especially encouraging is the increase in new students,” Swayne said. “More people are choosing NIC as the place to begin their education, prepare for a career or take the next step in their lives. That's what this college is here to do, and we're excited about where we're headed.”