North Hennepin Community College Sees 8 Percent Bump in Enrollment

After an enrollment boost this fall, there’s more students on campus at North Hennepin Community College than have been there in years.

“There’s a buzz, there’s definitely a level of excitement that we haven’t seen in a number of years,” said Julio Vargas-Essex, vice president of student affairs and enrollment at North Hennepin. “I’ve compared it to almost pre-pandemic atmosphere. We still have a little ways to go. But to see the parking lots full again, to see people back here on campus, it’s really brought that excitement that is really special.”

The college has seen an 8 percent bump in new enrollment this fall. There’s also been a 7 percent increase in returning enrollment.

Last fiscal year, 4,572 students were enrolled at the college. This year, there’s 4,925.

There’s more students on campus at North Hennepin Community College this fall than have been there in years.

 Students enrolling in dual enrollment programs, like PSEO programs at high schools, have helped drive the increase. 

The North Star Promise Scholarship — a state program that pays college tuition for students with families earning less than $80,000 per year — has brought more than 100 students onto campus this fall with more expected in upcoming semesters.

“We awarded about 366 North Star Promise Scholarships this year, which is incredibly exciting,” Vargas-Essex said. “About 180 of those students came and enrolled this fall, which is super exciting. So we’re seeing the fruits of that wonderful opportunity and we’re hoping that we continue to see more growth around it.”

Brooklyn Park