Multiple factors lead BC3 to set enrollment record

The opening of a new campus in Lawrence County is a contributing factor.

STAFF REPORT

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Butler County Community College has reached its highest enrollment in the institution’s 42-year history, with 3,944 degree-seeking students enrolled this fall.

That’s up 2.9 percent from last year, an increase of 112 at the main campus in Butler and facilities in Cranberry Township and Mercer and Lawrence counties.

President Nicholas Neupauer told faculty and staff, and the Board of Trustees at recent meetings that he expects to have 4,000 degree-seeking students enrolled by the end of the year.

The enrollment growth is attributed to several programs that roll out throughout the semester such as the Duel Enrollment, In-School Youth and College Within the High School Programs; Praxis Preparation courses and several new hybrid courses at BC3 campus in Cranberry that begin seven weeks into the semester.

The success of the new BC3 campus at Lawrence Crossing in Lawrence County is also a factor.

Last year, BC3 projected it would grow to 1,000 seats (seats occupied by students in specific classes) at the new Lawrence Crossing site that opened in Union Township in August.

BC3 previously held classes in four locations around the county but is now consolidated at one site on U.S. Route 224.

The seat count there has exceeded all expectations and is currently 1,379, with a total of 507 students, many taking more than a single class.

For the first time, enrollment in Lawrence County has surpassed enrollment at BC3 in Cranberry, surpassing that campus by 55 students.

The last day of classes for the fall semester is Dec. 8, and classes resume Jan. 20 for the spring.