COD Fastest-Growing Community College in Nation Outside of California

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Dec 19, 2014, 01:00 ET

GLEN ELLYN, Ill., Dec. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- College of DuPage is the fastest-growing community college in the nation outside of California among colleges with enrollments greater than 10,000 students, according to a recent report by Community College Week magazine.

Based upon total headcount enrollment figures from fall 2012 to fall 2013, College of DuPage grew 9.4 percent, from 26,156 students to 28,627 students. This ranks College of DuPage sixth nationally behind five California schools.

Click here to see a detailed chart (scroll down to "Enrollments 10,000 or Higher"). Community College Week used data gathered by the U.S. Department of Education through the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

"This is a reflection of the excellent work happening at College of DuPage," said COD President Dr. Robert L. Breuder. "Our students recognize the high quality education they are receiving from us while understanding the economic value of attending a community college."

The Community College Week report comes on the heels of five-year numbers released by the Illinois Community College Board. Of the 39 community college districts in Illinois, the report shows that College of DuPage is the only college district to grow Full Time Equivalent Student (FTES) enrollment over the past five years. Between fall 2010 and fall 2014, COD grew FTES enrollment by 6 percent. During that same period, the state's 39 community college districts were down a total of 13.1 percent.

The ICCB report also shows growth at College of DuPage between fall 2013 and fall 2014. During this time, no other Illinois community college district added more headcount than College of DuPage, which increased by 849 students, a gain of 3 percent. The state (aggregate of all 39 community college districts) was down in credit headcount by 4 percent. During this same period, College of DuPage had the largest FTES growth of any Illinois community college district, up 293 FTES or 1.8 percent. The state (aggregate of all 39 community college districts) was down 4.8 percent in FTES.

"College of DuPage is clearly headed in the right direction," said Erin Birt, Chair of the COD Board of Trustees. "Through careful listening and strategic planning, we understand what our students and community need, and we continue to work hard to provide a top quality educational experience."

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SOURCE College of DuPage