As of Jan. 26, one week after classes began, LSCS reported a record 62,353 students in classes, nearly 13,000 more students than last year at the same time.
Last spring the college system had enrolled 49,847 students and by comparison, at 62,353, this spring 12,506 more students are attending classes - representing an increase in student population of 25.08 percent. LSCS officials had projected 52,000 students for this semester.
"Lone Star College System is one of the premiere college systems in the country," said Dr. Richard Carpenter, chancellor. "This massive growth illustrates the confidence our community has in Lone Star College's ability to provide an affordable and convenient option for educating this generation of students."
With 62,353 students, LSCS is the largest institution of higher education in the greater Houston area and it is working to keep up with the massive growth. Through a 2008 bond referendum approved by the system's voters, expansion is ongoing throughout the college system to help accommodate more and more students each semester.
In addition, LSC-University Park, the college system's newest site on SH 249, opened on Jan. 19 with 4,000 students. More facilities will be opened there later this year, including the University Center at LSC-University Park, which will include a number of four-year university partners.
"Our board of trustees, as well as the voters in this community, saw the need as we did and approved the May 2008 bond referendum," Carpenter said. "We are in the midst of expanding at all of our campuses to help handle this explosive growth."
Every college in the system logged significant student enrollment growth for the spring, with LSC-CyFair leading the way with a 26.9 percent increase and 3,466 additional students registered over last spring. Other colleges were as follows: LSC-Kingwood, 26.5 percent increase, 2,013 students; LSC-Montgomery, 20.9 percent increase, 2,004 additional students; LSC-North Harris, 26.4 percent increase, 2,997 additional students; and LSC-Tomball, 24 percent increase, 2,026 additional students.
Lone Star College System consists of five colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, and LSC-Tomball, six centers, LSC-University Center, LSC-University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. With more than 62,000 students in credit classes this spring, LSCS is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and third largest community college system in Texas. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.
