Independence Community College reports an increase in overall enrollment.
According to the school, ICC, showed a year-over-year growth in overall headcount, increased high school enrollment and continued gains in student retention for the Fall 2026 semester. ICC also showed growth with younger students with high school enrollment increasing by more than 3% . Additionally, first-time, full-time student retention reached 50%, up from 47% the previous year and 44% in 2023-24, marking the third consecutive year of improvement for the college.
“This is a big step, but our goals are bigger than one semester,” said ICC President James Arnold. “We want every student in Southeast Kansas and beyond to see ICC as the place for them. We’re in a strong position to build on this momentum, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.”
ICC’s growth comes as community colleges across Kansas are collectively experiencing an enrollment decline. Preliminary Fall 2026 census data released by the Kansas Board of Regents shows community college headcount statewide decreased by 1.9%, while all of public higher education in Kansas, enrollment fell by nearly 1%.
ICC is one of just six Kansas community colleges to report growth this year.
