By Zoe Hughes
Editor-in-Chief
Amarillo College’s spring 2026 enrollment increased 5.5% compared to last year, reaching a headcount of 8,747 students. Officials said the increase is a continuation of a multi-year trend of steady growth.
The college reported gains across several student populations, building on strong fall enrollment. Vice President of Student Affairs Bob Austin said spring enrollment typically mirrors fall trends, and the increase was expected after fall enrollment numbers were up from last year.
“Traditionally, if fall enrollment is up, spring enrollment is up,” Austin said. “We got off to a great start in the fall, and that momentum carried forward.”
Dual credit enrollment saw the largest increase, rising by about 30% compared to last spring. Austin attributed much of that growth to the launch of the Badger Bound Promise Scholarship, which allows students who complete at least 15 hours of dual credit in high school to attend Amarillo College tuition-free.
In addition to headcount growth, officials said credit hour production increased by nearly 5% and is now nearly 10% above the five-year average, according to data presented to the board of regents in January.
According to Austin, improved retention also played a key role, pointing to academic success coaching initiatives designed to help students stay enrolled from fall to spring and into the following academic year. Austin said students who complete at least 30 credit hours in their first year are significantly more likely to complete their degree certificate.
“We’re seeing more students enrolling full time and fewer enrolling part time,” Austin said. “That’s a big shift from where we were 10 years ago.”
AC students, faculty and staff said the enrollment increase has been noticeable on the Washington Street Campus. Department Chair of Media, Arts and Communications, Courtney Milleson, said she’s noticed that parking has become more difficult during peak hours this spring.
“When you leave during the day and come back, it is hard to find a parking spot,” Milleson said. “If you’re willing to walk, there’s always a spot, but that’s the hard part.”
Milleson also said that anyone searching for parking should avoid following people to their vehicles in hopes of taking their spot.
“Please don’t stalk someone as they walk to their car,” Milleson said. “A, it’s creepy. B, I’m going to sit in my car longer because I can make an excuse about being late because I’m at my job. Roll the window down and ask if I’m about to leave and if you can grab my spot. I would be happy to help you then.”
Students said they have noticed the enrollment increase firsthand. “That is a very touchy subject, because I’ve almost been hit by cars several times from people trying to rush to get spots,” Anthony Lopez, a mass media major, said. “Last Thursday, I was trying to find a decent parking spot by Panhandle PBS. Unfortunately, since everything was full, I had to park in what I consider Hereford. It’s awful that we don’t have parking, but I’m super academically driven, so that’s not going to keep me away. Just because it’s not an issue for me directly doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily not an issue for other students. I think that can cause a big problem with getting to class on time and making sure that students are prepared to be their most successful this semester,” he said.
Austin said enrollment growth is encouraging, but emphasized that the college’s primary focus remains student outcomes rather than numbers alone. He said steady enrollment increases paired with improved completion rates benefit both students and the surrounding community.
“What we’re really obsessed with is impact,” Austin said. “The better prepared our students are, the better positioned our community is for the future.”
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