Online components contribute to NWSCC’s enrollment growth

MUSCLE SHOALS — Thanks to a myriad of factors, including glowing reviews regarding the institution’s programs, Northwest-Shoals Community College is experiencing recordbreaking growth across the board.

The current enrollment of 5,143 students is the largest number of students enrolled in a single semester in the school’s 62-year history.

Overall, NWSCC has seen a 10% increase in enrollment since fall of 2024 when enrollment was 4,665.

“It truly is amazing to see the increasing number of students we have been able to serve,” said President Dr. Jeff Goodwin.

This year, there are 20% more first-time freshman on campus than the fall of 2024.

Dr. Amber McCown, assistant dean of students, said the growth can be attributed to a combination of reasons.

Since reinstating athletics in 2021, the athletic programs have grown from four to eight, including men’s and women’s golf, women’s flag football and volleyball.

Additionally, distance education programs and on-campus program options have given more students opportunities of interest.

“What excites me is that this growth is balanced across so many different areas of the college,” McCown said. “Students are engaging with us like never before — whether that’s through athletics, in the classroom or online.

“That growth reflects real momentum for the future.”

Trent Randolph, director of Public Relations and Marketing, said distance education is customizable for certain students.

Often, it includes fully online classes or classes gathering online but taking tests on campus. Distance education students have access to free online tutoring, too.

CONTRIBUTED/DAN BUSEY
NWSCC Salon and Spa Management student Maggie Junkin practices skin care techniques in class. The Salon and Spa Management program has grown 24% since the fall of 2024.

Additionally, programs like the school’s hybrid nursing program have expanded the college’s offerings.

The program earns students an associate’s degree in nursing, preparing them to become registered nurses. It began in the fall of 2023 with nine students.

Now, 43 are part of the program, reflecting a 366% increase in two years.

Randolph said the program is vital for those already working in related fields who want to become RNs because it offers online and night classes, making the program more accessible to those holding full-time jobs.

Maggie Junkin, who is in the third semester of the college’s salon and spa management program, said when she was researching local certification programs for hairstylists, she realized NWSCC students had the greatest reviews in terms of state board examination preparedness.

Once she entered the program, she understood why.

“I want to work with hair, and everything to do with hair is why I came here,” she said. “I also chose it because I’m required to learn all about aesthetics and skin care.

“We also have to do a lot of online classes about owning your own business and how to run a business. We do our hands-on work in class, then learn a lot of extra information and background that will help in the future, since I eventually want to own my own business.”

The ability for students to learn “a little bit of everything” involved in working in and owning a salon or spa is one of the program’s successes.

Currently, the Salon and Spa Management program is up 33% from the fall 2024 semester.

The college’s Health Sciences program has seen a 32% increase in enrollment, and dual enrollment of high school students increased by 5%.