Fall Semester Opens with New Opportunities, Expanded Student Support

Sept. 1, 2026

Strong academic programs, new ASAP initiative and growing workforce training highlight start of 2026-27 academic year

SARANAC LAKE — North Country Community College is welcoming students back to its campuses for the start of the Fall 2026 semester with new initiatives designed to support student success, strong interest in several core academic programs and noncredit offerings, and a full slate of residential and athletic activity.

Classes began Monday, Aug. 31 at the college’s campuses in Saranac Lake, Malone and Ticonderoga, as well as through its online offerings.

“We’re excited to welcome our students back and begin another academic year at North Country,” said college President Joe Keegan. “There is a great deal of positive energy across our campuses, from the growth we’re seeing in a number of our programs to new initiatives that are expanding opportunities and strengthening the support we provide our students. We’re looking forward to building on that momentum throughout the year.”

The college enters this new academic year after experiencing seven consecutive semesters of enrollment growth from Spring 2023 to Spring 2026. The final enrollment numbers for the Fall 2026 semester won’t be tallied for another three weeks, but as of Monday, enrollment in the college’s core programs was down slightly compared to Fall 2025. The college is optimistic that it will close that gap by the end of the add/drop period.

Academic areas seeing positive enrollment growth this fall are the Addictions Counseling, Health Science, and nursing programs, both Practical Nursing and the Associate Degree in Nursing program. The college also is seeing positive enrollment numbers in the Child and Family Services, Massage Therapy, and Digital Advertising and Design programs, among others.

“This growth reflects continued interest in programs that serve regional workforce needs, and prepare students for careers, transfer opportunities and further education,” Keegan said.

Many of these programs align with SUNY Reconnect, which covers the cost of tuition, fees, books, and supplies, after financial aid is applied, for eligible New Yorkers 25-55 without a college degree.

In addition to bringing in new students, the college remains focused on supporting and retaining current students. This fall, the college launched SUNY’s Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) program. More than 80 students have enrolled in the program. ASAP students receive individualized advising, academic support, career development services and financial assistance for costs that can create barriers to completing college.

North Country is also growing its non-credit offerings in response to regional and community needs. This summer the college offered a new Community Health Worker training program that prepares students to serve as a bridge between individuals and the health and social service systems in their communities. The college anticipates offering two additional Community Health Worker cohorts during the 2026-27 academic year.

Among other non-credit opportunities, the college’s fall EMT classes have strong numbers, and North Country will again host a wastewater management basic operations class later in the semester. College-credit classes for high school students, through the College Bridge program, and North Country’s Prison Education Program will also continue this semester.

“Whether students are coming to us directly from high school, returning to college to pursue a new career, or looking for training that will help them advance in the workforce, our goal is to provide them with an affordable, supportive pathway to their next step,” Keegan said. “We’re grateful to our faculty, staff, trustees and community partners who make those opportunities possible.”

Other Highlights for Fall ‘26

• The North Country Community College Foundation has awarded over $50,000 in scholarships, provided by individuals and businesses, to students for this academic year.
• North Country has implemented a new student information system, an important modernization of the technology used to support student services and college operations.
• The college’s Saranac Lake residence halls, run by the North Country Community College Association, are nearly full for the fall semester. The college also has full rosters for both its men’s and women’s soccer teams.
• North Country welcomed two new members of its Board of Trustees at its Aug. 25 meeting. Gov. Kathy Hochul recently appointed Jordanna Mallach, town of Harrietstown supervisor, and Jessica Kemp, a NCCC graduate and former student trustee, to fill two vacant seats on the board.

For more information about North Country Community College and its academic programs, visit the college’s website www.nccc.edu.