Colby Community College
COLBY — Colby Community College posted the highest Full-Time Equivalency (FTE) enrollment increase among all public institutions in Kansas for fall 2025, according to preliminary enrollment reports from the Kansas Board of Regents.
Colby's FTE climbed 10.7% in one year, rising from 899 in fall 2024 to 995 this semester. FTE measures enrollment based on the number of credit hours taken rather than headcount alone. For example, one student taking 15 credit hours equals 1.0 FTE, while two part-time students taking seven and eight credit hours, respectively, also equal 1.0 FTE when combined.
The state’s fall preliminary report is based on enrollment as of the 20th day of classes and does not include courses that begin later in the semester.
The increase marks not only strong short-term momentum but also long-term growth.
Over the past five years, CCC has recorded a 16.2% rise in FTE, a significant achievement during a period when many Kansas colleges faced enrollment declines. Taking a longer perspective, the College has posted 12.3% FTE growth over the last decade, the highest among the state’s 19 community colleges.
"Our enrollment growth is a reflection of Colby Community College’s commitment to student success and community partnerships,” said CCC President Dr. Seth Carter. “We remain dedicated to offering high-quality, affordable, and accessible education to all of the students we serve.
With enrollment gains across one-year, five-year, and ten-year trends, CCC continues to strengthen its position as a resilient and forward-thinking institution in Kansas higher education.