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Amid a challenging national landscape for higher education enrollment, Riverland Community College has experienced what college leaders are describing as “exceptional growth.”

For fall semester 2024, which concluded last week, Riverland’s enrollment was nearly 10 percent higher than the same date last year, currently at 1,094 full-year equivalent (FYE) compared to 995.05 FYE on Dec. 2, 2023, according to a press release. This growth significantly surpasses the Minnesota State system’s overall increase of 5.64 percent.

Enrollment figures for the spring semester that begins Jan. 13 are equally encouraging. While Riverland is still enrolling students, the total as of Dec. 2 is 752.07 FYE, an 8.86 percent increase compared to this time last year. These gains align with the Minnesota State system’s strong performance, which is currently seeing a 12.51 percent system-wide increase.

Minnesota State Chancellor Scott Olson of Minnesota State attributed the system’s success to its commitment to affordability, accessibility and community engagement.

“We believe the increase in enrollment was driven by a number of factors,” Olson said. “Quality academic programs; keeping our colleges and universities the most affordable, most accessible higher education options in the state and outstanding relationships with the communities we serve were clearly among the keys.”

The impact of Riverland’s growth is felt across its various campuses and learning platforms. Online learning continues to be a significant driver, with over 741 FYE enrolled across summer, fall and spring semesters, showcasing the flexibility Riverland offers its students. Additionally, specialized programs such as Farm Business Management and partnerships with 29 area high schools contribute to its broad appeal and growing enrollment figures. ​This growth places Riverland among the top-performing colleges in the state.

This success is also reflected in statewide data. According to a November report by Ethan Nelson of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, Riverland has grown its enrollment by 18.5 percent since 2020, ranking among the top Minnesota State colleges for growth.

Riverland changed leadership during the period of enrollment increase. In 2023, following the retirement of longtime president Adenuga Atewologun, Kathleen (Kat) Linaker became Riverland’s president.

Linaker attributes this success to a combination of innovative strategies and a commitment to excellence.

“Our faculty, staff and community partners have worked tirelessly to create accessible, high-quality educational opportunities,” she said. “This growth reflects our desire to meet students where they are — whether online, on campus or in their communities.”

As Riverland Community College continues to expand its reach and impact, its success stands as a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration and a deep-rooted commitment to educational excellence. Riverland remains a vital contributor to the state’s educational and economic landscape, according to the release.

Riverland Community College, a member of the Minnesota State system, is a community college that strives to transform lives through excellence in service, education and career training. Approximately 4,775 students are served annually through a wide range of credit-based educational opportunities. Riverland is an Emerging Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), with campuses located in Albert Lea, Austin and Owatonna, Minnesota, and online at www.riverland.edu.