ECC Reports Continued Growth in Enrollment

Edgecombe Community College is maintaining a strong upward trend in enrollment. Nationwide, the COVID-19 pandemic caused steep declines at community colleges, and while online courses are still prevalent, overall enrollment numbers are rebounding.

2026 began on a high note, with 1,679 curriculum (college credit-earning) enrollments, a 4.87 percent increase over last year. We are seeing gains in nursing (up 10.1 percent), computer science (up 40 percent) and respiratory therapy (up 20 percent). Total student contact hours also grew in continuing education, or lifelong learning classes, rising 12 percent from 2024 to 2025.

According to ECC President, Dr. Greg McLeod, headcount at ECC in college-credit classes grew 7.7 percent from 2024 to 2025, and 11.4 percent compared to 2023. Curriculum classes that saw the biggest gains in enrollment from 2023 to 2025 included business administration reaching 17.4 percent, medical office administration surging 59 percent and welding up 29.7 percent. In continuing education, the public safety and first responders sector saw the largest two-year jump in enrollment at 36.8 percent.

A major driver of ECC’s growth is the rising number of high school students taking advantage of early college opportunities.

“Most of the increase is attributed to more and more high school students participating in the Career and College Promise Program (CCP),” said McLeod. “This year, the college is serving 632 dually enrolled students.”

CCP, often referred to as dual enrollment, offers tuition-free college courses that count towards associate and bachelor’s degrees, as well as valuable workforce credentials. CCP is attractive to families seeking academic achievement and cost savings.

For more information on how to become a student at ECC, visit edgecombe.edu.