Enrollment up 10 percent for Spring 2026
Feb. 3, 2026
SARANAC LAKE -- North Country Community College launched its spring semester last week, achieving its seventh consecutive term of enrollment growth.
Student numbers are up 10 percent compared to the start of the spring 2025 semester. Classes began Tuesday, Jan. 26, after a snow-day closure on Monday, with both online and in-person courses underway.
Serving the communities of Essex and Franklin counties, North Country operates campuses in Malone, Saranac Lake, and Ticonderoga, and offers a robust array of online programs and offerings. Part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, the college has 30 degree and certificate programs designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to either enter the workforce directly or transfer to a four-year institution.
North Country continues to see notable enrollment growth in several programs of interest to students and the region, particularly those included under the SUNY Reconnect initiative, which provides free tuition to adult students ages 25-55 without a college degree in select programs. These include Addictions Counseling (AAS), Radiologic Technology (AAS), Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics (AS), and Health Sciences (AS). Additional programs experiencing strong enrollment trends this semester include Digital Arts and Design (AAS), Massage Therapy (AAS), Business: Sports and Events Management (AS), and the Practical Nursing Certificate program.
“SUNY Reconnect continues to have a positive impact on our enrollment, as does the availability of a host of scholarship opportunities, many the result of the generous philanthropic support from members of our community,” said college President Joe Keegan. “We are grateful to our community partners, Governor Hochul and the legislature for their continued investment in our institution and students.”
In addition to its academic programming, the college has a host of noncredit offerings this semester that are designed to meet community and workforce training needs. These include Advanced EMT training, pottery classes, a Welcoming and Belonging course offered by the Adirondack North Country Association, and a cybersecurity training program provided by UpNCoding and sponsored by SUNY. More information on these noncredit classes is available at www.nccc.edu/shorts.
North Country’s commitment to student success is further supported by two new grants secured by the Office of Student Affairs. A $15,000 grant will be used to address increased demand for food and basic needs assistance while expanding access across all three campuses. In addition, a $22,000 grant from the Gates Foundation will strengthen the college’s Emergency Needs Fund, which provides crucial support to students facing financial crises as they work toward completing their degrees.
The college also continues to enhance its digital student support tools through its “Bernie” initiative, an integrated web chat and text support system named after the college’s St. Bernard mascot. The second and third phases of the project are now underway, aimed at improving student retention and enrollment.
On the athletics front, the nationally ranked Saints Men’s Basketball Team is enjoying another remarkable season. As of Feb. 2, the team holds a 17-2 record, remains undefeated at home, and currently ranks 11th in the NJCAA. The Saints will host two home games this week at the Sparks Gym as they continue their march to the regional playoffs.
