Campus News
September 30th, 2025
GC fall credit hours grow 12.7 percent
College records enrollment increases across most categories
Garrett College's New Student Orientation, held in the Offutt Theatre, attracted a huge crowd, thanks in part to GC's 12.7 percent enrollment increase compared to last fall.
Garrett College recorded impressive enrollment increases across nearly all categories in fall 2025 compared to last fall, according to GC's Office of Records and Registration.
Credit hours increased 12.7 percent, with the 7428.50 credit hours the most since fall 2019. Overall student headcount increased 8.8 percent, rising from 681 to 741 – the largest headcount enrollment in nine years.
"I think we've done an excellent job of employing our strategic vision at Garrett College, and by doing so, we have attracted a diverse and talented student body," said Dr. Robert "JR" Kerns, GC's dean of student affairs. "This has positioned the college for sustained growth and academic excellence in a competitive higher education market."
The College experienced enrollment increases in returning students (+21.5 percent), transfer students (+14.3 percent), student athletes (+6.7 percent), and first-time students (+6.0 percent). The High School Dual Enrollment headcount rose just 1.2 percent, but the credit hours taken by dually enrolled students rose 10 percent.
"Our enrollment growth across almost every category of students is evidence of our entire college community's hard work and commitment," said Melissa Wass, director of admissions and recruitment. "This isn't just a win for admissions; it's a collective success that speaks to the strength of our entire institution."
Expansion of academic and intercollegiate athletics programs both played a role in the impressive enrollment numbers. The College's first-year men's soccer team has 22 full-time students on its active roster, and the first radiologic technology cohort is fully enrolled with 15 students.
"We're encouraged by the continued growth of our student community, and are very committed to supporting their success," said Professor Christa Bowser, GC's chief academic officer. "We work every day to ensure our students have the resources and support they need to thrive."
The College's residence halls are nearly full, with 171 residents out of a 172-bed capacity.
GC's enrollment increases are among the highest in the state, according to data from the Maryland Community College Research Group (MCCRG). Garrett's Opening Day of Class Enrollment growth was second to Wor-Wic Community College in credit hours and tied for third in headcount.
Dr. Richard Midcap, Garrett College's president, said he was pleased "we've put the COVID enrollment declines in our rear-view mirror."
"Almost every college in the country experienced steep enrollment declines in 2020 and 2021," said Midcap. "Our employees and our Board of Trustees persevered through some really difficult times by staying laser-focused on our educational mission.
"We've increased enrollment since fall 2021 by over 30 percent," added Midcap. "That increase is due to a lot of factors, including the quality of our faculty and staff, the rigor of our academic programs, and strategic expansion of our offerings."
