Amid difficult higher ed landscape, new student enrollment at NCC posts gains
This fall, the enrollment at Nashua Community College is up and outpacing the average growth for U.S. higher education institutions.
“NCC’s enrollment growth comes at a time when colleges across the Northeast are confronting a demographic cliff driven by declining birth rates and smaller graduating high school classes,” said Dr. James Keane, President of Nashua Community College. “While the pool of traditional-age students continues to shrink, strategic investments in student success, workforce programs, and campus improvements are helping NCC attract and retain more learners.”
In the past two years, NCC gained the fresh perspective of an entirely new leadership team guiding the efforts of the College. “At our college, student success is a shared responsibility, and every employee, regardless of role or title, has a direct responsibility of creating the welcoming and supportive environment that enables our students to achieve their goals and transform their lives.” shared President Keane. This fall 5% enrollment growth continues the momentum from the prior academic year where NCC also experienced growth.
Student-centered approach
NCC offers resources to help students navigate their educational experience from start to finish with more Spanish-speaking staff, basic needs support, and an enhanced active Student Life scene. The student Lounge / Game Room received a $50K facelift over the summer with new furniture and gaming supplies from electronics to a billiards table sourced by a student club.
Advising staff connect with students who pause their progress – or “stop out” – to check-in, address any issues, and help them re-enroll to complete their credential. The team also offers a scholarship for a free core class if a student failed in their first year, endowed gifts for students-in-need, and scholarships for a variety of programs.
Campus and program improvements
In fall 2024, NCC finished its STEM wing renovations which houses Electronics Engineering Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering Technology, Information Technology: Cybersecurity Defense and Technical Support Pathways, and the Microelectronics and Test Technician Boot Camps.
This fall, the college acquired an anatomage table, a life-sized, virtual 3D dissection and medical visualization system used for anatomy and physiology education. The tool benefits students in Health Science, Nursing, and Biological Sciences. Most recently NCC increased its incoming Nursing class to 32 from 24 the previous year and began a new program in Healthcare Administration.
Next, NCC will use $1.4 million in state capital funding to create a new 2,800-square-foot Allied Health Instruction Space on campus adjacent to the Nursing Lab area in Judd Gregg Hall. The new facility will serve as the home for existing and emerging healthcare programs, including Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA), Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN), and Medical Assisting (MA) programs.
The Early Childhood Education classroom and lab area will see a major renovation and addition of a daycare center, supported by $930K from a House appropriations bill announced in February 2026. This will provide the opportunity for parents to attend classes while their child will be watched on campus.
Workforce Development courses are under constant review and improvement to keep pace with industry demands. NCC launched a Drone Piloting training in Fall 2026, and plans to offer a second class this spring, the Soldering Boot Camp has added a daytime session in addition to its evening session, and a new Electric Vehicle Safety training course is now available for emergency responders. The popular Microelectronics and Precision Manufacturing Boot Camps are still running full classes every 10 weeks.
Community colleges play a vital role in building the skilled workforce that drives our local and regional economy. Nashua Community College works closely with industry partners to ensure our programs reflect current workforce needs, providing students with relevant curriculum, meaningful internships, hands-on experiences, and mentorship opportunities. These partnerships create a direct pathway from education to employment while helping employers develop the talent they need to grow and succeed.
Guided by new leadership, strengthened academic offerings, and a student-centered culture, NCC is well-positioned to continue its enrollment growth while transforming the lives of students and meeting the workforce needs of the region.