Classes for the Fall 2018 semester began at College of the Mainland on Monday with the largest number of credit students enrolled in school history – 4,708 students.

This fall’s enrollment represents a seven percent increase from the 4,382 students who attended COM during the fall semester in 2017 and an 18 percent increase from Fall 2016.

“We are excited that our student population is growing,” Dr. Warren Nichols, president of College of the Mainland, said. “More and more students and families are becoming aware that an education at COM is valuable and affordable. We are here to serve our region.”

In addition to the overall enrollment increase, dual credit enrollment has grown in recent years. Dual credit allows high school students to take college credit courses while still in high school. Students receive credit for both their high school requirement and college credit. The college credit will transfer to any college or university.

This fall, there are 1,182 high school students enrolled in dual credit courses in 27 different subjects. The highest enrollment courses are English Composition I, US History I and Federal Government.

The number of area high school students enrolled in Collegiate High School at COM increased 25 percent from last year. This year, 235 students are enrolled at the Collegiate High School. Collegiate High School allows high school students to earn an associate degree and high school diploma at the same time.

Enrollment numbers presented are preliminary. The official number of enrolled students will be determined by mid-October.