NWSCC sees 11% spring growth

MUSCLE SHOALS — Northwest Shoals Community College saw an 11% increase in enrollment during the spring academic semester for the second consecutive year.

The increase brings the spring 2025 enrollment to 4,719 students, up from 4,258 students during the spring of 2024 semester. The spring 2023 semester had 3,882 enrolled.

“I believe this is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff, as well as the trust our students place in Northwest Shoals to help them achieve their educational goals,” said NWSCC President Dr. Jeff Goodwin. “We are committed to proving all our students … with the highest quality education and training possible.”

For the spring 2025 semester, NWSCC experienced 15% growth in dual enrollment students.

Casey Eggleston, the college’s assistant dean of dual enrollment, said NWSCC is “fortunate to have great high schools … always looking for opportunities to help their students prepare for life after high school.”

She said the dual enrollment options offered by NWSCC help students with various interests, including those who hope to pursue career technical training, health students always looking for opportunities to help their students prepare for life after high school.”

She said the dual enrollment options offered by NWSCC help students with various interests, including those who hope to pursue career technical training, health students or academic courses.

“We want to offer high school students the ability to get a jump start on their career goals,” Eggleston said.

Additionally, NWSCC has seen 21% growth in hybrid enrollment students who take both online and on-campus courses.

Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Crystal Reed said students today have busy lives, and the hybrid options provides opportunities “for all students to excel in their career paths.”

Over the last year, NWSCC also had a 25% increase of online-only students. This follows a 21% increase of onlineonly students a year ago.

Other programs displaying significant growth were Design Engineering Technology (61% increase), Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (35% increase), Child Development (32% increase), Carpentry (31% increase) and Salon and Spa (11% increase).

“I think this growth reflects the impact we are making,” Goodwin said.