Student enrollment continues to climb at SUNY Jamestown Community College, with the college reporting a 7% increase over fall 2025 enrollment as of Sept. 14, the census date for fall semester classes.
As of census, JCC had 2,115 students, up from 1,979 at the same point last year.
“We’re encouraged by the continued growth in enrollment and, more importantly, by the number of students who are choosing JCC to begin or continue their education,” said Daniel DeMarte, JCC president. “These numbers reflect the value of the programs and support we provide, as well as the growing number of ways students can access a JCC education.”
The greatest growth has been among students taking classes exclusively online and part-time students, with many belonging to both groups.
The number of online-only students increased 37.9%, from 575 last year to 793 this year. Part-time enrollment increased by 25.8%, from 694 to 873.
The number of first-time, full-time students also increased, from 509 to 540, a 6.1% jump.
“We’re proud that JCC can meet students where they are, whether that means taking classes online, attending part time or being part of our campus community,” said Ron Shidemantle, vice president of Student Experience. “Our on-campus students remain connected and highly involved in residence life, athletics, fitness, and student clubs on both the Jamestown and Cattaraugus County campuses. Online growth reflects the flexibility we offer, while our campus communities remain an important part of the JCC experience.”
JCC saw a similar 5.6% increase in total student headcount from spring 2025 to spring 2026. In addition, State University of New York data released in November 2025 showed that JCC ranked second among SUNY community colleges for overall enrollment growth between fall 2020 and fall 2025.
SUNY Reconnect has been an important part of JCC’s enrollment growth, helping adults who may have started college previously or never had the opportunity to earn a degree. The program provides free community college for eligible New York adults ages 25 to 55 pursuing degrees in high-demand fields. JCC reported 115 Reconnect students during the fall 2025 semester and 150 during the spring 2026 semester.
Through SUNY Reconnect, eligible students can pursue select JCC degrees in healthcare, computer technology, education, and advanced manufacturing with the cost of tuition, fees, books, and supplies covered after other financial aid is applied. Students can attend full or part time, and many eligible programs offer online and flexible course options.
JCC’s Direct Support Professional micro-credentials and certificate programs provide free coursework to regional professionals working in the field and have added to part-time enrollment growth.
JCC’s partnerships with the New York Pathways in Technology (P-TECH) program and North Collins Correctional Facility have provided additional enrollment opportunities for regional high school students pursuing manufacturing education and incarcerated individuals taking college classes.
JCC’s enrollment growth has contributed to an increase among SUNY community colleges as a whole. According to SUNY, community college enrollment has increased by more than 9% over the last three years.