(Estherville)--Iowa Lakes Community College is reporting a 4.4 percent increase in student headcount for the Fall 2026 semester compared to the previous fall.

Iowa Lakes Community College President Scott Stokes says Iowa Lakes is continually looking at what students are seeking and what our communities and employers need. 

Enrollment growth this fall can be seen across both transfer and career and technical programs. Transfer majors increased 13 percent compared to last fall and have grown 50 percent over the past two years. Several career and technical programs also experienced notable growth: including Cosmetology, up 46 percent; HVAC, up 23 percent; and Construction Technology, up 18 percent.

The Fall 2026 increase also builds on the longer-term enrollment growth that Iowa Lakes has experienced. Current headcount is 2.9% above the three-year average and 3.3% above the five-year average, reflecting continued strength in the number of students accessing education through Iowa Lakes. 

The growth extends to students who are beginning their college experience before graduating from high school. Secondary enrollment increased 15.2% compared to Fall 2025, as more students take advantage of the ability to begin college coursework through Iowa Lakes.