West Virginia Northern Community College experiencing significant student growth

West Virginia Northern Community College (WVNCC) is defying the national trend of declining college enrollment with an impressive 16 percent annual growth in students for the Fall 2024 semester. This surge is attributed to the addition of several new programs, expanded outreach and marketing efforts, and strengthened partnerships with local businesses for workforce training. Enrollment in Northern’s non-credit workforce development programs is also up sharply.

"At a time when many colleges across the nation are facing enrollment challenges, our recent growth is a testament to the hard work we’ve put into expanding opportunities for our students,” commented WVNCC President, Dr. Mosser. “By offering new high demand programs and building stronger ties with our industry partners, we’re preparing students for living wage careers in the local workforce."

Northern is experiencing unprecedented interest in its healthcare programs, especially nursing. Programs in business, teacher education, applied technologies, criminal justice, EMT/Paramedic, CDL, HVAC, and various others have seen steady increases in enrollment, just to name a few.

WVNCC continues to update and expand its offerings, recently adding natural gas compressor mechanic, electro-mechanical, medical laboratory technician, energy technology, licensed practical nursing (LPN), and hospitality management. These programs were added primarily from feedback obtained from the College’s industry advisory boards plus strategic planning efforts.

The College has offered college credits to local high school students for many years, however recent legislation promoting dual enrollment pathways has also played a role in Northern’s enrollment gains. WVNCC has developed guided pathways that enable high school CTE students to earn college credits, then to seamlessly transition to complete an associate degree at WVNCC in less than two years.

Dr. Mosser added, “Thanks to our dedicated faculty and staff, new programs, and a robust strategic plan, WVNCC has never been better poised for growth. We’ve made student success our number one priority, and we are thrilled to be able to touch so many lives in the Ohio Valley region and beyond."