News and Events

Preliminary enrollment figures for Fiscal Year 2026 (July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026) have officially set a new milestone for Alexandria Technical & Community College. As announced at the April Legends Assembly, Alexandria College’s all employee meeting, full‑year and headcount enrollment is the highest in the college’s history, surpassing the previous record set in FY2013—a reflection of a strong brand and strategic investment the past several years. 

Enrollment at Alexandria College has now increased multiple years in a row, driven by steady headcount gains across traditional, secondary, and military‑connected student populations. Growth has been particularly strong in Concurrent Enrollment (College in the Schools) and online high school initiatives. These partnerships now serve over 60 school districts statewide. Programs serving active‑duty service members and veterans are also up, serving 668 students this year. Through the Global Military Learning Network (GMLN) all things military have been intentionally expanded, providing greater access while maintaining quality. These opportunities for the Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard provide pathways to advanced degrees from notable universities such as Arizona State, Embry Riddle and Thomas Edison. 

Expanded athletics offerings, new academic programs, and additional student housing have reinforced Alexandria College’s standing as a destination college, working diligently to grow enrollment from the metro area, historically underrepresented populations, adult learners, and student athletes. Of ATCC’s top ten feeder schools, historically all have been within a 50-mile radius. Two of the college’s top ten high schools are now located more than 100 miles away: Forest Lake and Monticello. The college had students from all 87 Minnesota Counties in 2023 and 2024 with all but one county represented in 2025. To that end, the Alexandria area is a great host to our 2,000 plus on-campus students. 

Much of Alexandria College’s best-in-class retention and graduation rates can be attributed to engagement opportunities such as Skills USA, DECA, HOSA, PTK, and other academic-focused clubs. Civic engagement is now an official cornerstone of the college with an updated mission reflecting the long-standing connection between the college and the area community. As outlined in the college's 2025-2030 Strategic Framework, the mission of Alexandria Technical & Community College is to "foster lifelong learning by offering high-quality education and training that support workforce development and civic engagement." 

This record‑setting year also coincides with a series of national recognitions that reflect the strength of Alexandria College’s academic model and student support systems. In April, ATCC earned both the 2026–27 Military Friendly® Gold Top 10 School and Gold Top 10 Spouse School designations for the first time in its history, underscoring the college’s long‑term commitment to serving military‑connected learners. In addition, Alexandria College was named one of the Top 200 community colleges in the nation and was eligible for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, placing ATCC among the top 15 percent of community colleges nationwide for student success and equity outcomes.  

College return-on-investment (ROI) remains a focal point on a national scale, and Alexandria College's outcomes reflect a strong alignment with not only student interests, but workforce needs. The college's related job placement rate is 99.4%, the highest in Minnesota two years in a row. Alexandria was ranked No. 9 nationally by a Georgetown University study for alignment between academic programs and local labor markets, and Alexandria College ranks in the top 15% nationally for ROI at the 10 and 20 year intervals. By guiding students toward meaningful, in-demand futures, Alexandria College strengthens Minnesota’s workforce and delivers ROI where it matters most. 

President Michael Seymour has frequently emphasized that the college’s enrollment growth is the result of intentional planning rather than chance. “Our sustained growth in enrollment is no accident,” Seymour said in a previous address. “We strategized and executed an enrollment management plan focused on investments that draw students state-wide and globally. Students are encouraged to finish what they start. Most importantly—we strive for an environment where all students feel welcome and supported.” 

The FY26 milestone reflects the contributions of employees across the institution, working together to position Alexandria College as a destination for students from across Minnesota, the nation, and beyond. It is also a testament to hard-working students. As the college continues to build on this momentum, the focus remains on access, quality, and student success, ensuring that growth strengthens—not dilutes—the Alexandria College experience.