PITTSFIELD, Mass — Berkshire Community College (BCC) recently released its enrollment data for fall 2021 — a season still  impacted by COVID-19, but with a growing number of first-year and continuing students. 

 

 Key findings include: 

The number of non-degree-seeking students has also grown, largely due to BCC's Early College program, which offers up to 15 free college credits to high school juniors and seniors. BCC has increased the number eligible students for the program.  

 

"I'm thrilled that our new student and continuing student numbers are up. The BCC team has worked so hard to create an environment during the pandemic in which students could continue to thrive," said Adam Klepetar, BCC Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. "We continue to operate successfully in a very challenging enrollment environment, with decreases in the number of high school graduates and increases in competition." 

 

In total, there has been a 28 percent drop in full-time students since 2019: 512 students in 2019, 412 in 2020, and 366 in 2021. Related to that decrease, the total student credit load has also decreased, from 6,943 credit hours in 2019 to 5,759 in 2020 and 4,967 in 2021. However, part-time students, which numbered 1,001 in 2019 (6,434 credit hours) and 908 in 2020 (5,865 credit hours), have increased to 982 in 2021 (6,513 credit hours). 

 

Further findings show the percentage of "stopout" students, or those who discontinue their education for a semester or more with plans to return later, has decreased from about 32 percent in spring 2019 to about 29% in spring 2020, the most current data available. 

 

"The ultimate goal at BCC is to provide an excellent teaching and learning environment supported by services that are delivered to students where and when they need them," Klepetar said. "We strive to ensure that our students are able to meet and surpass their goals, providing them with the career skills they need to succeed."