While the Illinois Community College enrollment rate declined, it did not decline as much as community colleges in other states. 

That’s according to the Illinois Community College Board, which says that enrollment throughout the state is down 1.5 percent compared to 13.7 percent overall decline in 2020. 

The decline in 2021 is below the nationwide average of a 5.6 percent decrease. It is also the smallest system wide decrease since Fall 2010. 

ICCB executive director Brian Durham says that they are encouraged by fall enrollment numbers. He believes the data signifies an upward trend in students returning to advance their education. 

The report suggests an increase in online access to classes as a potential reason for increased enrollment at many community colleges compared to pre-pandemic years. 

57 percent of the overall student population in Fall of 2021 took online courses, while 62 percent of students took online courses in Fall 2021. 

Even though fall enrollments have declined in recent years, the number of graduates has increased considerably since 2006.