The Peru Gazette

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – Clinton Community College is off to a strong start with its fall enrollment, seeing increases of more than 12 percent over a year earlier.

As the college completes its first week, the headcount – representing those taking at least one class – stands at 471 students. That compares to 419 a year earlier, or 52 more. Full-time equivalent enrollment – representing the combination of all student schedules to full-time – is 172.3, nearly 20 more than a year ago. Overall enrollment is the highest at start of the fall semester since 2021, with the strongest starting new class since 2020.

“These aren’t just numbers; these are people in our community learning at Clinton Community College and preparing for their future,” said Ken Knelly, Administrator in Charge. “The increase is substantial and a testament to the work of the enrollment team, the Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) team, and really the whole campus. Recruitment and retention is everyone’s job and it makes a difference.”

Fall enrollment numbers will increase substantially as registrations for the high school College Advancement Program (CAP) take place. The college has also added a prison education program at Altona Correctional Facility that will add students this semester as well.

CAP is a concurrent enrollment program that offers local-area students a unique opportunity to advance their college academic career before they graduate from high school, enabling many to complete their first year of college by their fourth year of high school.

The ASAP program is a SUNY-sponsored effort that eliminates financial obstacles to full-time study, helping students through personalized advisement services, academic support and engaging career development activities. This year’s class is more than 100 students.

“As we secure the future through our pursuit of reaffirmation of accreditation and plans for a new location on Beekman and Court Streets at SUNY Plattsburgh, it is affirming to see growth and the difference making take place here,” Knelly said. “Clinton isn’t only critical, it’s indispensable. It’s a great first week of classes.”