Community Colleges See Record Enrollment This School Year

College is back in session for the 2025-2026 school year. Some area community colleges are reporting higher enrollment as the school year begins.

On August 25, 2025, according to SUNY Broome Community College, the student population for Fall 2025 is 15 percent higher than Fall 2024. Enrollment increased by 502 students. This increase is the largest class of new students since the pre-pandemic.

We're very proud to be reporting SUNY Broome's strongest enrollment numbers since Fall 2020, with increases in both our traditional student and adult learner populations. As an institution, we are energized by this enrollment surge, and excited to help our students become their best at Broome. - SUNY Broome President Tony D. Hawkins

SUNY Broome officials attribute the increase to SUNY Reconnect. This program is New York State's free community college initiative. 733 students at SUNY Broome have taken advantage of this program

This program is designed for New York residents between the ages of 25 and 55 who do not hold a college degree to earn a free associate degree in high-demand fields.

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SUNY Broome Community College also offers on-campus student housing. The Student Village currently is home to 295 residents.

Also on August 25, 2025, administration at SUNY Corning Community College in Corning, New York, began its 2025 Fall semester today, noting a 14 percent increase in enrollment from Fall 2024, including a 15 percent increase in new student registration.

SUNY CCC noted that 84 percent of enrolled students are from three area counties - Steuben, Schuyler, and Chemung. Several students at the college have also taken advantage of the SUNY Reconnect program.