Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) is experiencing a major enrollment boost this fall, with core enrollment up 11% compared to last year — the largest single-year increase the college has seen in more than ten years.
College officials say the surge is due to a combination of academic innovations, streamlined enrollment processes, and expanded financial aid options, including the SUNY Reconnect program, which has proven especially impactful.
“There are many factors contributing to our historic increase,” said TC3 President Amy Kremenek, “and the SUNY Reconnect program is certainly one of those positive factors. We take great pride in being responsive to our students.”
SUNY Reconnect offers eligible adult learners the chance to pursue tuition-free associate degrees in high-demand fields. This semester, the program includes 200 students, and more than half are first-time college enrollees.
President Kremenek added that the latest numbers show more people are recognizing the value of a TC3 education — not only in terms of cost but also in the quality and accessibility of programs offered.
The college has made several changes in recent years to improve access, from revising onboarding practices to offering new academic pathways tailored to today’s workforce needs.
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