Montgomery College Enrollment Rises 6%, Outpacing State and National Growth

As community college enrollment rebounds nationwide, Montgomery College is growing at a faster pace than both state and national averages.

The College reported a 6 percent increase in fall 2025 headcount enrollment, nearly double the national community college growth rate of 3 percent and well above Maryland’s overall postsecondary enrollment increase of 3.4 percent, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Final Fall 2025 Enrollment Trends Report new window.

Nationally, overall postsecondary enrollment increased 1 percent this fall, with undergraduate enrollment rising 1.2 percent and graduate enrollment declining slightly. Community colleges recorded the strongest gains of any higher education sector, while public four-year institutions experienced more modest growth and private four-year colleges saw declines.

Montgomery College’s enrollment growth places it well above both state and national benchmarks.

“Choosing a community college is a strategic and forward-looking decision,” said Montgomery College President Jermaine F. Williams. “At Montgomery College, students gain access to high-quality education, personalized support, and clear pathways to transfer and careers, all within an affordable and flexible learning environment.”

Community colleges gain momentum nationwide

National reporting points to a shift in student decision-making, with more learners prioritizing affordability, flexibility, and workforce alignment. Community colleges have long led in providing these options, offering clear transfer pathways, workforce-aligned programs, and short-term credentials that deliver lower cost and faster entry into the labor market.

“These trends reflect changing expectations about higher education,” Williams said. “Students are seeking institutions that meet them where they are and provide real value aligned with their goals and circumstances.”

Maryland and regional context

Across Maryland, postsecondary enrollment increased 3.4 percent in fall 2025, with undergraduate enrollment rising 3.9 percent. Neighboring Virginia reported similar growth, while Washington, D.C., experienced a larger increase in undergraduate enrollment.

Montgomery College’s enrollment gains exceeded both state and regional averages, reinforcing its role as a primary access point to higher education and workforce training in Maryland.

Who is enrolling at Montgomery College

Several of Montgomery College’s enrollment trends mirror national patterns, while others exceed them.

Nationally, students age 17 and younger represented one of the fastest-growing populations at public two-year institutions, reflecting continued expansion of dual enrollment and early college programs. At Montgomery College, dual enrollment grew from 2,352 students in fall 2024 to 2,546 in fall 2025, an 8 percent increase.

Growth was particularly strong among adult learners. Enrollment among students age 25 and older increased by 6 percent, far exceeding the 0.7 percent national growth rate for this population. This increase reflects strong demand from working adults seeking reskilling, upskilling, and career advancement through flexible scheduling and workforce-aligned programs.

Montgomery College also reported growth among first-time college students. The College’s freshman class—defined as students enrolling in college for the first time—increased by 1 percent, exceeding the national growth rate of 0.5 percent for first-time community college students.

The College continues to attract a diverse student body, including international students. This fall, students from more than 145 countries were enrolled at Montgomery College, and international students represented more than 10 percent of the College’s credit-seeking population.

“Montgomery College has long served as a gateway to opportunity for students from throughout our region and around the world,” Williams said. “Welcoming students of many backgrounds and lived experiences strengthens our learning environment, enriches our community, and prepares students to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.”

Linking enrollment growth to strategy

College leaders attribute the enrollment increase to both national trends and Montgomery College’s sustained, student-centered strategies to expand access and engagement. In recent years, the College has strengthened workforce-aligned programs, expanded early college opportunities, improved advising and onboarding, and increased outreach to adult learners.

Montgomery College also recently completed a comprehensive brand refresh designed to clarify its purpose, modernize its visual identity, and more clearly communicate the value of a Montgomery College education. Leaders note that the updated brand helps prospective students more easily understand their options and see themselves at the College—supporting recruitment, enrollment, and long-term engagement.

Flexible scheduling, short-term credentials, and stackable pathways have also contributed to enrollment growth among students seeking new skills or career advancement.

More detailed enrollment data are available on Montgomery College’s student enrollment webpage new window.