HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Wallace State Community College has set another fall enrollment record, surpassing 7,100 students for the first time in the college’s history.
As of Wednesday, Oct. 21, enrollment for the Fall 2026 semester stood at 7,141 students, an increase of 155 students over Fall 2025 enrollment of 6,986. The milestone, a fourth straight fall increase, represents growth of nearly 20% since Fall 2022, when enrollment stood at 5,966 students.
“The record enrollment, combined with our recognition as an Aspen Prize finalist, reflects the exceptional work being done across campus to help students start early, start right, finish and succeed,” said Wallace State President Dr. Vicki P. Karolewics. “We are honored that more students than ever are choosing Wallace State as the place to begin or advance their educational journey.”
Wallace State continues to expand educational opportunities in response to student needs and regional workforce demands. New and expanded offerings include evening nursing classes, additional nursing opportunities at the Oneonta campus, a new Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant program, the only associate-degree program of its kind in Alabama, more dual enrollment opportunities, new workforce credit-to-college credit pathways and the new Winston County Learning Center in Arley.
The college is also establishing new and expanded program opportunities in other high-demand healthcare and technical fields, strengthening transfer pathways, and enhancing advising and student support services to help students achieve their educational and career goals. These initiatives reflect Wallace State’s commitment to providing affordable, accessible pathways to high-demand careers, family-sustaining wages and continued educational advancement.
Wallace State is a finalist for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, one of the nation’s most prestigious recognitions of community college achievement. The college was also a finalist in 2025, earning the Rising Star Award and recognition as one of the nation’s top three community colleges. Wallace State has been selected to compete for the Aspen Prize seven times, reflecting its sustained commitment to student success and excellence in higher education.
Learn more at www.wallacestate.edu.
