PRESS RELEASE: IOWA LAKES REPORTS STRONG ENROLLMENT GROWTH FOR FALL 2026
ESTHERVILLE, Iowa — Iowa Lakes Community College continues to see positive enrollment momentum, with student headcount increasing 4.4% for Fall 2026 compared to the previous fall.
The growth reflects Iowa Lakes’ continued focus on providing relevant, high-quality educational opportunities that align with students’ goals, from career and technical programs that prepare graduates to enter the workforce to transfer majors that provide an affordable pathway toward a four-year degree.
“At Iowa Lakes, we are continually looking at what students are seeking and what our communities and employers need,” said Iowa Lakes Community College President Scott Stokes. “Students have many choices when deciding where and how to pursue their education. We want Iowa Lakes to stand out as a place where they can find a high-quality program, a clear path toward their goals and the support they need to be successful.”
That range of choices allows students to pursue an education based on where they want to go next. Career and technical programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on learning and industry experiences, while transfer majors allow students to begin working toward a bachelor’s degree while benefiting from the affordability and personalized environment of a community college.
“Students aren’t all looking for the same college experience or the same destination, and that is one of the strengths of Iowa Lakes,” said Troy Larson, Vice President of Student Services. “A student may come to us knowing exactly which career they want to pursue, while another may be looking for an affordable place to begin before transferring. Our role is to help each student identify the right pathway and then provide the resources and support to help them succeed.”
Enrollment growth this fall can be seen across both transfer and career and technical programs. Transfer majors increased 13% compared to last fall and have grown 50% over the past two years. Several career and technical programs also experienced notable growth, including Cosmetology, up 46%; HVAC, up 23%; and Construction Technology, up 18%.
Together, these areas demonstrate the variety of routes students can take at Iowa Lakes. Whether preparing to transfer to a four-year institution or developing specialized, hands-on skills to enter the workforce, students can select programs that connect their education with their next step.
The Fall 2026 increase also builds on the longer-term enrollment momentum 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.
That momentum 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.
Through partnerships with area school districts, high school students can earn college credit through a variety of options, including dual credit courses and Career Academy programs. Students can explore potential careers, experience college-level coursework and begin making progress toward a credential or degree while still in high school.
“Giving students the opportunity to begin college coursework in high school is about more than earning credits early,” said Kari Hampe, Dean of High School Partnerships. “It gives students a chance to explore their interests, build confidence in their ability to succeed at the college level and begin seeing a clearer path between their education and their future. Our partnerships with area schools allow us to create those opportunities for more students throughout the region.”
Fall 2026 headcount also remains above Iowa Lakes’ three- and five-year enrollment averages, further demonstrating continued positive enrollment momentum.
As Iowa Lakes looks toward future enrollment, prospective students and their families are encouraged to explore the programs, campus experiences and student resources available and see firsthand what Iowa Lakes has to offer.
“One of the best ways to know whether a college feels right is to experience it for yourself,” said Annie Kalous, Director of Admissions. “A campus visit gives students the opportunity to explore programs they are interested in, meet the people who will be there to support them and start picturing what their college experience could look like. We encourage students and families to come see us, ask questions and discover the opportunities available at Iowa Lakes.”
Prospective students can explore Iowa Lakes programs and learn more about admissions at iowalakes.edu. Students and families can also sign up for a Laker Visit Day, schedule an individual visit or explore additional visit options through the Iowa Lakes website.
Iowa Lakes Community College provides educational opportunities through locations in Algona, Emmetsburg, Estherville, Spencer and Spirit Lake, as well as online. Iowa Lakes offers career and technical education, transfer pathways, continuing education and workforce training designed to prepare students for continued education, career advancement and success in the workforce.