SCCC instructor Nathan Bussen lectures students in his biology class. Biology was one of 16 areas of study that recorded an increase of more than 50 percent in the Spring 2025 semester at SCCC.
LIBERAL, Kan. — The month of March was not the only thing that roared in like a lion: Seward County Community College reported enrollment numbers that brought the college’s growth to 34 percent higher since 2022. In addition to official numbers from the Kansas Board of Regents, the college recorded growth in many areas:
- Headcount for the spring semester is up 9% and overall credit hours are up 12% compared to this same time last year.
- Saints Anywhere, the college’s online platform, is up 46% in enrollment than last year.
- Kansas residency is up 9% and Seward residency are each up 18% compared to last year.
- High school enrollment is up 26%.
- There are two truck driving sessions open – one each at GCCC and SCCC. Both are full with a total of 22 students (12 Liberal and 10 Garden).
- Programs with 50% or more increased enrollment: Accounting, Automotive Tech, Biology, Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, Corrosion Tech, Criminal Justice, Elementary Ed, HVAC, Mass Communication/ Journalism, Natural Gas, Sports Medicine, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Physical Therapy, Automotive Collision/ Refinishing (secondary ed)
College President Brad Bennett said the College accomplished the goals through cross-campus efforts to bolster enrollment. “We leaned hard into the idea that growth is something we all care about, and we all work toward as a team,” he said. “It was a deliberate choice to prioritize the idea that we share one priority goal.” Bennett also credited development of the online platform, Saints Anywhere, for opening opportunities for students whose locations or life schedules make it difficult to attend in-person classes.
“The growth in Saints Anywhere is phenomenal, and I’m so proud of our people for putting in the work to launch it successfully,” he said. “And to do it with a commitment to the same quality education we provide here on campus.”
As construction on the West Campus property wraps up, the college’s CDL/Truck Driving program is poised to dramatically increase its number of graduates; a student health center and adjacent recreational space opened in February. These projects reflect a long-term commitment to the region’s growth and economic prosperity, Bennett said. Whether it is helping students persevere through a rough patch, or providing more spots in popular programs, “we are here for the long haul.”