Campus News
July 1st, 2025
Garrett College sets new summer enrollment mark
Records fall in headcount, credit hours for 2nd straight year
Garrett College set new summer semester enrollment records in headcount, credit hours, and High School Dual Enrollment (HSDE) for the second consecutive year.
Garrett College has set a series of summer credit enrollment records for the second consecutive year.
The College has established new marks for student headcount, total credit hours taken, new students, the number of High School Dual Enrolled (HSDE) students, and the number of credit hours taken by HSDE students, according to data released Tuesday by the College.
There are 192 students – including 68 HSDE – taking 754 credit hours this summer. Headcount is up 23.9 percent, credit hours are up 17.5 percent, and HSDE headcount is up 11.5 percent compared to last summer.
"The most impressive part of this year's enrollment increase is that it came on the heels of record enrollment last summer," said Dr. Richard Midcap, Garrett College's president. "Our summer headcount has increased almost 55 percent and credit hours are up more than 47 percent over the last two years."
Associate Dean Kim DeGiovanni, who also serves as GC's registrar, said students "are recognizing the advantages of enrolling in summer courses."
They're able to focus on one subject at a time without juggling a full schedule," said DeGiovanni. "And with most classes offered online or in a hybrid format, students can fit coursework around jobs, family responsibilities, and other commitments. It's a flexible way to stay on track and maintain momentum toward graduation."
HSDE student summer session headcount has increased 68.3 percent just since 2023.
"Over the past two years, we've seen a dramatic increase in the number of high school students taking advantage of summer courses," said Director of Admissions and Recruitment Melissa Wass, who oversees GC's HSDE program. "This provides them the flexibility to pursue other opportunities during the academic school year, balance their workload more effectively, and get a jump start towards their future goals."
Professor Christa Bowser, the College's chief academic officer, noted this summer session is "the first to incorporate students from Garrett's new Radiologic Technology program," bringing 15 additional students into the summer session.
This is the third consecutive year of summer enrollment growth, according to Dr. Robert "JR" Kerns, the College's dean of student affairs.
"I think the enrollment growth can be attributed to several factors," said Kerns, "including the introduction of new academic programs, expansion of intercollegiate athletics, and a strong partnership with Garrett County Public Schools to enhance dual enrollment opportunities.
"In addition, the faculty and staff have bought into the overall vision and direction of the college," said Kerns. "Growing enrollment at a difficult time in higher education can only be done as a team, and everyone at the college has done a great job doing their part."
