UC Clermont welcomes near record enrollment

The college saw increases across the board, with a total headcount of 3,503 students, compared to 3,336 last year. That figure makes this year’s student body second in size to only the fall class of 2010, when more than 3,700 students stepped foot on campus. First-time, full-time student retention came in at more than 70 percent.

UC Clermont also gives students bang for their buck: According to a recent Georgetown University study, the college ranks in the top 10 percent of associate degree institutions for return on investment (ROI) at both the 10- and 20-year marks and remains in the top 20 percent through the 40-year horizon. A student who attended in 2021–2022 is projected to earn $1,936,000 over 40 years, ranking UC Clermont 16th out of 696 similar institutions.

The college’s numbers are part of the record-breaking 54,000 students who are enrolled at the University of Cincinnati for fall semester and represent an outlier from shrinking enrollment trends among two-year colleges in Ohio. 

“UC Clermont has always offered the value and quality of a UC degree at an affordable price,” said Dean Jeff Bauer. “We’re thrilled that so many students are part of our ever-expanding community and realizing the benefits.” 

Not included in those totals are College Credit Plus (CCP) students, the state-funded program that allows high school students to enroll in college courses for dual high school and post-secondary credit. More than 1,000 CCP students are enrolled in at least one class at UC Clermont this fall.

UC Clermont continues to add new academic options with more than 60 bachelor, associate, certificate and transfer-oriented programs. Within UC, the college has emerged as a leader in online and flexible courses. The campus now features 13 HyFlex classrooms, which allow students to choose to attend class in-person or online on any given day. 

In addition, micro-credentials — short, focused credentials designed to provide in-demand skills, know-how and experience — have been added to UC Clermont’s slate of offerings. The college was the first at UC to offer micro-credentials, providing additional knowledge and pathways for professionals and current students. 

“We are always evaluating what we can offer our students and how we can best meet them where they are on their academic journeys,” Bauer said. “This fall’s enrollment numbers are a testament to those efforts, and we are excited about what the future holds for UC Clermont.” 

Top featured photo: Students walk across the UC Clermont campus in Batavia, Ohio. photo/Danny Kidd