City Colleges Enrollment Rises for Fourth Consecutive Year, Surpassing Pre-Pandemic Levels (Chicago, IL) – City Colleges of Chicago reported its fourth straight year of fall enrollment growth, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and continuing a trend of steady recovery in higher education across the state.
This fall, a total of 44,296 students enrolled in City Colleges’ credit and adult education programs, a 3.6% increase from last year, according to data from the Illinois Community College Board. The growth rate closely aligns with statewide figures, which rose 3.7%.
The increase was driven largely by credit enrollment, which climbed 6.6% across the system—outpacing the statewide credit enrollment increase of 5%. Adult education enrollment declined by 6.2%, though City Colleges’ decrease was slightly lower than the 6.9% drop recorded statewide.
Five of the seven City Colleges campuses saw gains in credit enrollment. Harry S Truman College led with a 19% jump, followed by Kennedy-King (17%), Malcolm X (10%), Richard J. Daley (4%), and Harold Washington (2%). Wilbur Wright and Olive-Harvey posted slight declines of 1% and 1.6%, respectively.
Enrollment gains since the pandemic have been particularly strong among students of color. Since fall 2021, credit enrollment is up 41% among Black men, 37% among Black women, 35% among Latino men, and 24% among Latina women. Overall credit and adult education enrollment combined is up 36% over the same period—nearly double the statewide increase of 19%.
Chancellor Juan Salgado said the continued growth reflects increased confidence in the system.
“The growth we’re seeing in overall enrollment means more Chicagoans trust City Colleges to help them reach their goals,” Salgado said in a statement, citing academic programs, student services, and community partnerships as drivers of the increase.
City Colleges highlighted several ongoing initiatives aimed at improving access and retention, including:
- The Chicago Roadmap, a partnership with Chicago Public Schools to support students transitioning to college.
- Expanded advising and support services to help students stay enrolled.
- More flexible in-person scheduling.
- Increased marketing and operational improvements across campuses.
- Tuition-free scholarship programs, such as Future Ready, the Star Scholarship, and the Workforce Empowerment Initiative, designed to reduce financial barriers.
Registration for winter 2025 and spring 2026 courses is currently open. More information is available at www.ccc.edu or by calling 773-COLLEGE.
City Colleges Enrollment Rises for Fourth Consecutive Year, Surpassing Pre-Pandemic Levels
