Yakima Valley College saw its overall enrollment increase by 6% in Fall 2024 compared to Fall 2023, continuing a multiple-year trend of more students pursuing post-secondary education the in Yakima Valley.
The college’s total enrollment for the quarter stands at 4,377 students (with a full-time equivalent enrollment of 3,484), including its Yakima and Grandview campuses, Ellensburg and Toppenish learning centers and online students. Enrollment in YVC’s degree- and certificate-granting programs increased by 5% in Fall 2024 from the previous year, while enrollment in College and Career Readiness programs (which includes adult basic education, high school completion and English Language Acquisition classes) increased by 13%. Enrollment numbers are as of the 10th day of classes and may change until the end of the term.
“YVC faculty and staff are deeply committed to supporting our students so they are successful in achieving their education and career goals,” said Interim President Teresa Rich. “The enrollment growth we see this fall is an indication that YVC is a place where students know that they belong and will be supported, inside the classroom and beyond.”
Rich noted that the college has continued to expand course offerings as enrollment grows following a dip during the COVID pandemic. Among those are a new “Women in U.S. History” course, additional math courses on YVC’s Grandview Campus, Spanish for Heritage Learners courses in Yakima and Grandview, a variety of agriculture degree and certificate offerings, and a co-curricular coding workshop.
YVC’s Running Start program, which allows high school juniors and seniors earn college credits tuition-free, also saw growth of 8% for Fall 2024 — an additional 72 students over Fall 2023. Students of color represent 68% of Running Start enrollment this fall.
“Our Running Start program offers an incredible value for high school students in the Yakima Valley to save money on the road to earning their college degree,” Rich said. “Students get to experience doing college-level work, can take a wider variety of courses, and have access to all the supports and activities that YVC offers, all while saving the cost of paying college tuition.”
Fall quarter enrollment gains were also particularly strong on the college’s Grandview Campus, increasing 42% from the previous year.
With three-quarters of YVC students being the first in their family to attend college, Rich noted the college has maintained a focus on being innovative in the instruction and support services it offers. For the 2024-25 academic year, the YVC Foundation has awarded more than $750,000 in scholarships to students, a record amount. The college also recently added a career and wellness coach to its staff to enhance support for students in successfully launching their careers. Other supports include free tutoring services, the College Assistance Migrant Program, Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness program, TRIO Student Support Services and Food Pantry.
“Yakima Valley College is here for anyone interested in building a better life for themselves and their family,” Rich said. “For nearly a century, our college has been a place where everyone can come to receive an excellent education, supported by faculty and staff who care about them.”
Students wanting to start their education journey this winter can get started now. The application deadline for degree/certificate-seeking students to enroll in Winter Quarter 2025 classes is November 25. Non-degree/certificate-seeking students can register for winter quarter classes December 30 – January 3. Winter quarter classes begin January 6, 2025.