LEWISTON, ID – Lewis-Clark State College is bucking national trends and attracting more and more students with its small-school niche and combination of quality and affordability. Spring overall headcount is up 11.2% and fulltime enrollment increased 8.2% compared to this time last year.
Overall enrollment at LC State this spring is 3,100, up from 2,787 the spring before, and is the most since 2019. This comes after the school saw a 3.5% increase in the fall, attracting 3,881 students, the third most in school history. The 11.2% jump in enrollment is the largest spring increase on record in school history.
“Small rural colleges across the nation are facing sharp enrollment declines, but not here,” LC State President Cynthia Pemberton said. “Our programs and academic outcomes are outstanding, and students thrive in our small-school, close-knit environment. LC State is no longer a hidden gem – but truly an Idaho gem!”
Increases are across the board as Idaho resident and non-resident enrollment are up 11.7% and 10.5%, respectively. Compared to last spring, LC State has 125 more early college students, 119 more non-traditional (25 and older) students, and 115 more traditional (18-24) students. Transfers and first-time students are both up 18%.
Divisions seeing tremendous growth include Business & Computer Science (up 19.3%), Nursing & Health Sciences (17.5%), and Technical & Industrial (12.4%). LC State, which serves as a leader in healthcare education in north Idaho, has 658 students in its Nursing & Health Sciences programs this spring, an increase of 98 students.
A full list of LC State’s programs is available at www.lcsc.edu/degrees. The admission application deadline for fall semester is Aug. 8 and students can apply at www.lcsc.edu/apply.