 Systemwide enrollment grows 3.7 percent from 2024; community colleges surpass pre-pandemic levels SPRINGFIELD (Oct. 23, 2025) — Illinois community colleges have once again recorded steady growth, marking the fourth consecutive year of enrollment increases, according to the Fall 2025 Illinois Community College Opening Enrollment Report released today by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB).
Statewide, total community college enrollment reached 274,737 students in Fall 2025 — a 3.7 percent increase in headcount and 3.0 percent increase in Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) from the previous year. This year’s growth pushes enrollment 1.3 percent above pre-pandemic levels (Fall 2019), demonstrating the system’s continued recovery and the enduring demand for accessible, affordable higher education across Illinois. “Year after year, Illinois is seeing increases in community college enrollment, reflecting my commitment to make Illinois the best state in the nation to receive an education,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Accessible, high-quality education transforms lives. Whether it’s an affordable pathway to a four-year institution or an opportunity for specialized workforce development, higher enrollment in our state’s community colleges means more Illinoisans are realizing their full potential.” |
