Estherville, IA (Northwestiowanow) — Iowa Lakes Community College reported an over 4% increase in student enrollment for Fall 2026.

College officials say growth has been fueled by increased interest in both career and technical education programs and traditional transfer pathways, along with a rise in the number of high school students taking college courses.

Director of Admissions at ILCC, Annie Kalous, says several programs saw strong growth this fall.

According to college officials, Fall 2026 enrollment is 2.9 percent above the institution’s three-year average and 3.3 percent above its five-year average.

Iowa Lakes also reported a 13% increase in transfer majors compared to last year, along with continued growth in its dual-credit and Career Academy offerings for high school students.

Kalous says the college’s smaller class sizes help create a more personalized learning environment.

Looking ahead, Kalous says maintaining enrollment momentum and retaining current students will remain priorities as the college prepares for spring registration, which is expected to open in October.