MAC Sees Enrollment Growth for Fall 2023

campuscrosswalk.jpg

Nov 6, 2023

Industry&Tech.png

Enrollment is up at MAC for the fall 2023 semester thanks in part to program expansion and new facilities such as the Industry & Technology Center.

MAC Sees Enrollment Growth for Fall 2023

Enroll now for spring! Current students should meet with their Navigator. New students can apply online or contact our admissions team at
573-518-2228

After several years of declining numbers, Mineral Area College saw a 4.7% increase in full-time enrollment for the fall 2023 semester compared to a year ago. Led by a remarkable 22.2% increase in students enrolling for the first time, the college also saw a 5.4% growth in students returning after taking a break of a 16-week semester or more. It was the first time that either of the categories has seen an increase since 2019.

MAC President Dr. Joe Gilgour said he is excited to see the growth in this fall’s census numbers.

“Many great things are happening at Mineral Area College; program development, new facilities, and campus expansion, just to name a few,” Gilgour said. “The college continues to provide affordable and excellent postsecondary educational opportunities in the region, and the enrollment growth is a testament to the quality of education and affordability that MAC offers.”

August’s opening of the Industry & Technology Center brought the total career and technical training space within the main campus’ MAC Tech complex to nearly 100,000 square feet. These facilities are home to two new on-campus programs this fall, HVAC/R Technology and Building and Construction Technology, with planned expansion of more technical program offerings in the coming year.

“As a community college, we take pride in serving the region,” said Gilgour. “Our new Industry & Technology Center is a good example of how we’re responding to the needs of local students and businesses. With these new training opportunities on our campus, we’ll soon see growth in a more qualified and well-trained local workforce.”

Fall census numbers show that college-wide, MAC is attracting more students from outside of the area and is seeing more high school students enroll.

Students can also expect a more diverse student population than before. Though most MAC students continue to be native to Southeast Missouri, the college has seen an increase in its out-of-state and international student population in recent years, with students representing 18 other states and eleven countries in this fall’s class.

Additionally, more and more students are choosing to attend MAC while still in high school, with a 6.6% increase in those dual credit or dual enrolled students, rising to 824 students from 773 a year ago. Dual credit students are also choosing to take a heavier course load, with a 12.3% growth in the number of credit hours taken compared to fall 2022.

Enroll now for spring 2024!

MAC is looking forward to building upon the momentum of growth seen this semester. Enrollment is open now for spring 2024. Current students should make an appointment with their Navigator to register for spring classes.

New students can apply online or may speak with our Admissions team by emailing Admissions@MineralArea.edu or calling 573-518-2228.