Fall semester 2026 at St. Cloud Technical & Community College showcases how the College remains a college of choice for the region.
Enrollment at SCTCC for this semester has stayed constant compared to fall semester 2025. The number of students is up by 38 students with a nearly 1% overall increase over last year.
Another unit of measure SCTCC uses is Full Year Equivalent (FYE), which is calculated at 30 academic credits per year, or a student who takes classes full time. This measure is up by approximately 9 credits for an overall increase of just more than half a percent.
This semester’s enrollment data continues the five-year trend at SCTCC: since fall semester 2021, enrollment has increased 17%. During that time, the College has brought forward several new opportunities for students, including more online class options; hybrid and hyflex programs for increased flexibility; and the addition of new programs and services to align with regional and industry needs.
These opportunities are a result of the College’s responsiveness, which is crucial for the Central Minnesota region; SCTCC students, employees, and graduates all impact the community and economy. The College’s 99% placement rate for graduates who found work in their field is just one piece of its economic impact. A few initiatives and investments that have been made that benefit all SCTCC stakeholders include the following:
- In 2023, the Advanced Manufacturing Center opened. This shared space for manufacturing programs and industry retraining was funded by a $2.5 million US Economic Development Administration grant in partnership with the City of St. Cloud’s Economic Development Authority, GSDC, the Chamber of Commerce, Career Solutions, DEED, and St. Cloud State University.
- Aircraft Maintenance Technician welcomed 25 students fall semester 2026 for its inaugural class. The program took off after conversations with Minnesota Sate, community partners, and aviation industry members. Considering location, workforce demands, and growth opportunities, SCTCC became the fourth college in the state to offer the program.
- The health programs at SCTCC are some of the most popular among applicants, and Sonography is at the top. Since the program accepts just 15 students each fall semester, an additional ultrasound program was added at the College: Adult Echocardiography. This procedure focuses on the heart, and the career field has a projected growth of 13% nationwide. The 2026 fall semester welcomed 15 students to its inaugural cohort.
- The Wedum Center for Student Success opened in fall 2026 on the second level of SCTCC’s Heartland Building. The center included a complete renovation thanks to a matching gift of $2 million from the J.A. Wedum Foundation and several community partners and supporters who funded the match. Students will be able to take advantage of support services that will be housed in the new space: First-Gen Cyclones Success and the Mary Stangler Center for Academic Success (tutoring).
SCTCC’s nimble responses to industry and regional needs, alongside dedicated faculty and staff, provide education, training, and support that prepare and encourage students to reach their goals, whether it’s to enter the workforce with an AAS or to transfer to a university to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Since 1948, SCTCC has been committed to providing opportunities for all students. With its strong academic offerings, student supports, collaborative partnerships, workforce impact, strategic efforts, and dedication to student success, the College is positioned to be the community’s college, now and in the future.