Fall 2026 enrollment reports released by Parkland College and the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) highlight growing interest in career-focused educational programs.
Parkland saw steady enrollment in associate degree and certificate programs, including Associate in Applied Science (AAS), Associate in Arts (AA), and Associate in Science (AS), indicating strong student interest in career preparation and transfer pathways. Highlights include a 4% enrollment increase in health professions and a 2.7% enrollment increase in applied science and technologies programs, which is a part of career and technical training at Parkland College.
Enrollment in CTE programs across Illinois community colleges saw an increase of 5.9%, according to ICCB, with year-over-year growth since fall 2022, rising 26.1% over that span. CTE programs now account for 27.7% of all community college enrollments statewide.
The college's official 10th-day enrollment report shows a total headcount of 6,187 students, a 2.6% decrease from fall 2025, and 3,564 full-time equivalent (FTE) students, down 3.8% from the previous year. Despite the overall decline, continuing student enrollment remained steady this fall. Additionally, more than 1,160 high school students are participating in early college opportunities through Parkland College, consistent with last year's enrollment. Of all enrolled students, 77.6% reside within District 505.
Similarly, ICCB reported a systemwide headcount decreased by 0.7%, and FTE enrollment declined 1% from fall 2025. ICCB also revealed that 19 of 45 community colleges reported higher headcount enrollment compared to last year.
Parkland’s Adult Education enrollment has increased by 17.5%, whereas statewide numbers reveal enrollment in Adult Education and ESL programs are down by 11.3%. Adult Education provides many free classes to help students gain the skills needed to begin college or enter the workforce. These include English as a second language, high school equivalency, basic skills, short-term training, and more.
Statewide, ICCB reported the total community college enrollment held steady with 271,845 students in fall 2026, a 0.7% decrease from fall 2025.
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Parkland College
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