HANCEVILLE – Wallace State Community College has earned a place among Community College Week’s ranking of the nation’s fastest growing community colleges with enrollments of 5,000 or more, the only community college in Alabama to do so. Wallace State placed 39th on the list of U.S. public community colleges with enrollments from 5,000 to 9,999, which Community College Week compiled by analyzing data provided by the U.S. Department of Education.
Even as improving employment rates have decreased enrollments across the in country, Wallace State rose last year from fourth to third largest community college in Alabama. Wallace State’s diverse offerings for degrees, certificates and transfer – more than 100 majors – its student success rates, which are among the best in the country, and its outstanding instruction, personalized student services and welcoming atmosphere have long made it a popular choice for students, and its popularity continues to grow. In fact, Wallace State was recently recognized as the first choice community college among Alabama high school seniors taking the ACT.
The college is also experiencing growth with its Dual Enrollment and Fast Track programs, which offer early college enrollment to area high school students, including Fast Track for Industry for career-technical students. Students in these programs simultaneously earn college and high school credit, with many earning two-year degrees before they graduate high school and/or transferring to four-year colleges as sophomores or juniors, often with scholarships.
Not only is Wallace State popular among students, it has received numerous accolades as a national leader in initiatives to promote student success, and has recently been appointed to the American Association of Community Colleges Pathways Project, the American Association of Colleges and Universities Roadmap Project, twice selected as an Aspen Prize nominee, ranked among the top three community colleges in the South for Workforce Development, and included as a member of the prestigious Achieving the Dream network of colleges.
As Wallace State celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, the college remains focused on providing an excellent experience for students in every aspect of their college career.
Registration for spring semester is currently underway at Wallace State. Students may register on campus or online through Jan. 13. For more information, call 256-352-8136 or visit www.wallacestate.edu.
