CC reports enrollment drop

Clarendon College reported lower fall enrollment this week as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to trickle through the institution.

Total headcount following the 12th class day last week was reported at 1,285, reflecting an 8.1 percent drop from 1,399 one year ago.

CC President Tex Buckhaults said about half of the loss in enrollment came in the college’s nursing program, which he said had a lower starting class two years ago that continues to get smaller as students move through the program. The other major enrollment drops were seen in different programs.

Buckhaults said last year’s numbers were higher than they might have been except for some student athletes who stayed enrolled at CC in different classes or certificate programs while they enjoyed a third year of eligibility resulting from COVID cutting short the 2020 seasons.

Some programs are experiencing growth, however, with the rodeo program “busting at the seams,” the president said.

CC has fewer students on its Clarendon campus this year, 288 down from 331 last fall, and on its Pampa Campus, 100 down from 150. The cosmetology center in Amarillo is stayed even at 66. Enrollment in Childress is 34, down just two from a year ago.

Dual credit classes increased slightly from 605 last year to 616 this fall.

The number of students taking courses through area correctional facilities was even at 81.

Distance education students – those taking classes strictly online – dropped from 130 to 100.