October 12, 2026
Johnson County Community College (JCCC) welcomed 18,849 credit students this fall, reaching its highest enrollment in a decade. The total represents an increase of 217 students (1.2%) from last year and the College’s largest fall enrollment since 2016.
Fall ’26 Enrollment Highlights
Several student populations experienced growth this fall:
- First-time student enrollment rose by 8.4%.
- Part-time student enrollment increased 2.1%.
- High school student enrollment is up 3%.
"Students continue to choose JCCC because of the quality, affordability, and flexibility of the educational opportunities we provide," said Dr. Tony Miksa, JCCC President. "These enrollment gains reflect our commitment to helping students start, continue, and complete their educational journeys while preparing for meaningful careers and transfer opportunities."
In addition to enrollment growth, JCCC saw continued improvement in student retention and transition outcomes. First-time, full-time, degree-seeking student fall-to-fall retention improved to 70.6%. JCCC attributes this increase to student retention efforts from the College’s Strategic Plan. These include mandatory new student orientation, a new Success Coaching program, enhanced academic advising, and the rollout of Guided Pathways to help students navigate degree and career options. The College has also expanded academic support services and planning tools that help students stay on track toward graduation.
Bucking State and National Trends
JCCC's enrollment growth stands out at a time when many community college institutions across Kansas and the nation are facing enrollment challenges.
According to data from the Kansas Board of Regents, Kansas community colleges experienced a collective decline of 1.9% this fall. Technical colleges saw enrollment decrease by 6.8%, and the state's public higher education system overall reported a 0.8% decline in enrollment.
This fall marks the first semester that reflects recent state policy changes that now limit eligibility for subsidized dual-credit career and technical education coursework for high school students. Despite those changes, JCCC increased high school student enrollment by 3%.
JCCC also saw growth in enrollment among students who participated in College Now and Quick Step while in high school. This fall, 592 of those students enrolled at JCCC, up from 574 at last year's census.
The full enrollment summary for JCCC and all public schools in the Kansas higher education system is available at stats.kansasregents.gov on the Fall Census tab.
About JCCC
JCCC has embraced a mission to inspire learning to transform lives and strengthen communities since the College opened its doors in 1969. As the largest community college in Kansas and the Kansas City metropolitan area, JCCC offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs and is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Committed to accessible, high-quality education, the College serves students from its main campus and multiple satellite locations. Each year, JCCC supports the educational and career goals of 36,000 credit and continuing education students, meeting individual, community, and workforce needs in a welcoming, supportive environment.
CONTACT:
Emma Swinney
Public and Media Relations Coordinator
[email protected]
913-469-8500, ext. 4949
Chris Gray
VP, Strategic Communications & Marketing
[email protected]
913-469-8500, ext. 7623
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