POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — SEPT. 27, 2024 —Dutchess Community College (DCC) has seen a 4.3% increase in enrollment for the fall semester, bringing the total student body to 4,374. This achievement marks the second consecutive year of notable growth, with over 420 students added in the past two years. This upward trend highlights DCC’s commitment to delivering accessible, high-quality education that supports both transfer opportunities and career pathways, along with robust resources designed to help students succeed.
“We’re proud of this enrollment increase, which highlights the dedicated efforts of our faculty, staff and administration in addressing student needs and overcoming challenges,” said Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success Scott Schnackenberg. “Despite facing difficulties such as nationwide financial aid processing delays, we have successfully maintained strong enrollment through our commitment to serving our students.”
The College’s emphasis on fostering an inclusive and supportive environment has been crucial in retaining students and attracting new applicants. This fall, DCC saw notable growth among continuing students, particularly in part-time enrollment, which experienced the largest increases. Additionally, more students are choosing to reside on campus, with DCC’s residence hall occupancy growing by over 20% for the second consecutive year.
DCC offers a wide array of programs designed to prepare students for meaningful careers, whether they are pursuing a degree, transitioning to a new field or acquiring skills for advancement. The College also provides various non-degree programs, including microcredentials, tailored to adult learners and those seeking specialized training in fields such as aviation, allied health, architecture, technology and science.
A core element of DCC’s mission is offering access to a broad range of learning opportunities and experiences to meet the educational needs of a diverse community. The College offers comprehensive resources that include financial aid counseling, academic advising, tutoring, and career development support. Programs such as the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), TRiO and CSTEP are essential in ensuring that all students, particularly those from historically underrepresented backgrounds, have access to the resources necessary for success.
Looking to the future, DCC remains focused on enhancing retention efforts, supported by a partnership with the National Institute for Student Success. This collaboration will help DCC implement data-driven strategies designed to eliminate equity gaps and improve student outcomes, ensuring that all students receive the support needed to thrive academically and personally.
For more information about programs at DCC, visit www.sunydutchess.edu.
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Founded in 1957, Dutchess Community College is a two-year community college that has earned a reputation for providing an outstanding education and offers one of the lowest tuition rates in New York state. The College currently has four locations including its main campus in Poughkeepsie, DCC @ Fishkill, DCC @ HVR Airport, and DCC @ the Partnership. For more information visit www.sunydutchess.edu.