Garrett College’s 2024 spring enrollment increased 14.2 percent in total students and 8.7 percent in credit hours compared to last spring. This marked the fifth consecutive semester of credit enrollment growth, according to College officials.
A total of 627 students are taking 5,654.5 credit hours this spring compared to 549 students and 5200 credit hours last spring. For Fiscal Year 2024 – which includes summer 2023, fall 2023, winter 2023-24, and spring 2024 – Garrett College’s credit enrollment increased 18.5 percent in duplicated headcount and 14.5 percent in credit hours.
“We’re very pleased with this year’s enrollment growth,” said Dr. Richard Midcap, Garrett College’s president. “We’ve recovered all of our COVID-related enrollment losses. In fact, this marks our highest spring enrollment since 2016.”
Spring enrollment increased in virtually every category the College tracks. GC saw growth in full-time students (+8.8 percent), part-time students (+19 percent), first-time students (+108 percent), and High School Dual Enrollment (+28.4 percent). Male and female students increased by 12.4 percent and 15.8 percent, respectively.
While pleased with this year’s strong enrollment, Midcap said a proposed 21 percent cut in state funding “would jeopardize the College’s continued progress.”
“It’s ironic that Governor Moore is proposing to cut our state funds by a fifth in a year where we’re growing so dramatically,” said Midcap. “Essentially, we’re being asked to serve more students with significantly less state resources.
“I have been pleased with indications from state legislative leaders that the Maryland General Assembly may restore at least part of those cuts,” added Midcap. “The Maryland Association of Community Colleges and the 16 community college presidents are making the case for restoration of those funds in the various legislative committees that have budgetary authority.”
