More than 12,000 students enrolled for Fall, a 10 percent increase over last Fall. First-time student enrollment has skyrocketed over 31 percent.
October 1, 2026
BATON ROUGE – Baton Rouge Community College has shattered its enrollment record with more than 12,000 students enrolled for Fall 2026, while also setting a new record for first-time students with 3,565 students joining the college this semester.
BRCC’s Fall 2026 enrollment represents a 10 percent increase over Fall 2025 and surpasses the college’s previous overall enrollment record of 11,066 students set in Fall 2024.
The college also saw a significant increase in first-time students. The 3,565 first-time students enrolled for Fall 2026 represent a nearly 31 percent increase over the previous record of 2,722 first-time students set in Fall 2025.
“These enrollment numbers are a tremendous reflection of the confidence students and families have in Baton Rouge Community College and the opportunities we provide,” BRCC Chancellor Willie E. Smith Sr. said. “I am so proud of the work we are doing here to become a powerful driver for our students’ careers, for our local economy and for the workforce in our region. We are transforming lives and preparing students for high-wage, high-demand careers.”
The record enrollment includes students pursuing academic degrees and credentials
across BRCC’s programs. 
The growth in first-time students highlights the college’s expanding reach among students beginning their higher education journeys. BRCC offers programs designed to prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions, careers in high-demand fields and opportunities to enter or advance in the workforce.
“This record is about more than numbers,” Smith said. “It represents thousands of students choosing to invest in their futures and trusting BRCC to help them reach their goals. We are committed to meeting that trust with high-quality education, workforce training and the support our students need to succeed.”
BRCC’s enrollment growth stands out as a stark contrast to the declining enrollment numbers at other colleges and universities across the nation. The college’s 10 percent increase demonstrates continued demand for the affordable, accessible education and workforce opportunities available at BRCC.
With more than 12,000 students enrolled and a record number of first-time students, BRCC continues to expand its role as a higher education and workforce development leader in the Capital Region.
Note: BRCC has rolling start dates for the Fall semester – Aug. 24, Sept. 21 and Oct. 19 – so the final Fall enrollment may continue to grow.