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Most Minnesota institutions, public and private, rebounded somewhat post-COVID. The Business Journal reports the 40 largest schools in Minnesota averaged 2% growth, and the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities averaged 10% growth overall.

“We believe the increase in enrollment was driven by a number of factors,” said Scott Olson, chancellor of Minnesota State, in a statement. “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.”

This growth can be largely attributed to innovation and risk-taking at a time when most higher education institutions played it safe. “Our sustained growth in enrollment is no accident,” said Michael Seymour, President of Alexandria Technical & Community College. “We strategized and executed an enrollment management plan focused on investments that would both draw new students to ATCC and encourage our current students to finish what they started. Our goal was, and still is, to create an environment where all students feel welcome - combining quality academic programming with a great student life.”

When the pandemic hit, ATCC had just launched an integrated planning cycle, with a focus on recruitment, retention, and fostering a sense of pride and belonging among students. Listening to the needs of the students and seeking innovative opportunities for growth were part of this process. “While many institutions were shuttering their athletics programs, we added more each year,” President Seymour continued. “We rebranded the institution, developed the Legends mascot, added housing. We added seats in high-demand academic programs, expanded support for growing student populations, forged new military partnerships, and got creative in our Customized Training offerings for regional businesses.”

The college’s expanded focus has drawn interest from students far beyond west-central Minnesota. In fiscal year 2024, more than 55% of ATCC students came from greater than 50 miles. The student body has included students from all 87 Minnesota counties for each of the past three fiscal years (FY2022-FY2024). During that same period, students attended ATCC from 40 out of 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, global military bases, and five countries (Japan, Nigeria, Sweden, Netherlands, and Korea). This broadened global interest would not exist without the college’s intentional expansion of military partnerships, athletics opportunities, and unique online academic programs.

ATCC’s commitment to excellence is still the most significant contribution to enrollment growth.  ATCC maintains a reputation for quality education, ranked the number one community college in Minnesota- 4 years in a row (Wallet Hub) and Number one Best Community College 2025 (Niche).   ATCC’s job placement rate tops the list of all Minnesota Colleges at 99.2%.   

Alexandria Technical & Community College’s impressive 27.6% enrollment growth over the past four years reflects the college’s bold approach to meeting the needs of its students and the community. By embracing innovation, expanding opportunities, and staying connected to what matters most, ATCC has created an environment where students can flourish. This remarkable growth, attracting students from across Minnesota and around the world, shows what can happen when a college puts students first and embraces change with enthusiasm and vision. ATCC is not just growing; it's thriving, and it’s clear the best is yet to come.