Independence Community College is building enrollment momentum in Fall 2026, with year-over-year growth in overall headcount, increased high school enrollment and continued gains in student retention.
High school enrollment increased by more than 3% this fall, while first-time, full-time student retention reached 50%, marking the third consecutive year of improvement.
“There’s real momentum at ICC right now, and that didn’t happen by accident,” said James Arnold, ICC President. “People all across this campus have put in the work to reach students and take care of them once they become Pirates. I’m proud of that, and we’re just getting started.”
Student retention also continued its upward trend. First-time, full-time retention reached 50% for 2025-26, up from 47% the previous year and 44% in 2023-24.
“Retention is about more than a number. It represents students continuing toward the goals they came to ICC to achieve,” said Taylor Crawshaw, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “The progress we’ve seen reflects the intentional work of our faculty and staff to connect with students, identify barriers and provide the support they need to keep moving forward.”
High school enrollment remains an important part of ICC’s work throughout Southeast Kansas. Through partnerships with area schools, students have opportunities to earn college credit, explore academic and career pathways and get an early start on their college education.
ICC’s growth comes as community colleges across Kansas are collectively experiencing an enrollment decline. Preliminary Fall 2026 census data released by the Kansas Board of Regents shows community college headcount statewide decreased by 1.9%, representing 1,246 fewer students compared with the previous fall. ICC is one of just six Kansas community colleges to report year-over-year growth in headcount. Across the entire Kansas public higher education system, enrollment declined 0.8%.
The Fall 2026 results provide a foundation for ICC as recruitment and retention efforts continue into the next enrollment cycle.
“This is a big step, but our goals are bigger than one semester,” said Arnold. “We want every student in Southeast Kansas and beyond to see ICC as the place for them. We’re in a strong position to build on this momentum, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.”