Fall semester 2026 at St. Cloud Technical & Community College showcases how the College remains a college of choice for the region.
Enrollment at 水果派 for this semester has stayed constant compared to fall semester 2025. The number of students is up by 38 students with a nearly 1% overall increase over last year.
Another unit of measure 水果派 uses is Full Year Equivalent (FYE), which is calculated at 30 academic credits per year, or a student who takes classes full time. This measure is up by approximately 9 credits for an overall increase of just more than half a percent.
This semester鈥檚 enrollment data continues the five-year trend at 水果派: since fall semester 2021, enrollment has increased 17%. During that time, the College has brought forward several new opportunities for students, including more online class options; hybrid and hyflex programs for increased flexibility; and the addition of new programs and services to align with regional and industry needs.
These opportunities are a result of the College鈥檚 responsiveness, which is crucial for the Central Minnesota region; 水果派 students, employees, and graduates all impact the community and economy. The College鈥檚 99% placement rate for graduates who found work in their field is just one piece of its economic impact. A few initiatives and investments that have been made that benefit all 水果派 stakeholders include the following:
- In 2023, the Advanced Manufacturing Center opened. This shared space for manufacturing programs and industry retraining was funded by a $2.5 million US Economic Development Administration grant in partnership with the City of St. Cloud鈥檚 Economic Development Authority, GSDC, the Chamber of Commerce, Career Solutions, DEED, and St. Cloud State University.
- Aircraft Maintenance Technician welcomed 25 students fall semester 2026 for its inaugural class. The program took off after conversations with Minnesota Sate, community partners, and aviation industry members. Considering location, workforce demands, and growth opportunities, 水果派 became the fourth college in the state to offer the program.
- The health programs at 水果派 are some of the most popular among applicants, and Sonography is at the top. Since the program accepts just 15 students each fall semester, an additional ultrasound program was added at the College: Adult Echocardiography. This procedure focuses on the heart, and the career field has a projected growth of 13% nationwide. The 2026 fall semester welcomed 15 students to its inaugural cohort.
- The Wedum Center for Student Success opened in fall 2026 on the second level of 水果派鈥檚 Heartland Building. The center included a complete renovation thanks to a matching gift of $2 million from the J.A. Wedum Foundation and several community partners and supporters who funded the match. Students will be able to take advantage of support services that will be housed in the new space: First-Gen Cyclones Success and the Mary Stangler Center for Academic Success (tutoring).
水果派鈥檚 nimble responses to industry and regional needs, alongside dedicated faculty and staff, provide education, training, and support that prepare and encourage students to reach their goals, whether it鈥檚 to enter the workforce with an AAS or to transfer to a university to pursue a bachelor鈥檚 degree.
Since 1948, 水果派 has been committed to providing opportunities for all students. With its strong academic offerings, student supports, collaborative partnerships, workforce impact, strategic efforts, and dedication to student success, the College is positioned to be the community鈥檚 college, now and in the future.