Advisers want conditions added to planning laws to conserve and enhance biodiversity

U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.-17) toured CCAC's solar array to highlight how renewables can save energy and money.

U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.-17) toured CCAC's solar array to highlight how renewables can save energy and money.

The Community College of Allegheny County is seeing a larger student population -- just over 9% more than last year -- this fall, said President Quintin Bullock."This is probably the largest increase we've experienced in the last five years," Bullock told TribLive.While numbers will be finalized later in the semester, early reports indicate there are about 10,800 students enrolled in CCAC, Bullock said.Bullock attributes the increase to CCAC offering courses that are in-demand in the region, the quality of instruction and affordability of the college.A full-time, Allegheny County student attending CCAC pays about $1,950 in semester tuition fees. 81% of students graduate debt-free, he said.The largest program areas, he said, include health care, skilled trades like HVAC and welding and cybersecurity and IT.Bullock noted there's growth across the board in regard to student demographics.He reported a "slight increase" in students younger than 18 years old, signaling more high school students taking advantage of dual enrollment programming where they can earn college credits while also finishing high school.The greatest increase among incoming students, however, is those ages 22 to 29. To Bullock, that represents students who graduated high school and entered the workforce but came back to college or enrolled for the first time and are seeking additional certifications in their field or pursuing a new career. Bullock said there is also an increase in students aged between 40 and 49 years old.In a hyper-competitive higher education landscape, CCAC isn't the only area community college reporting an enrollment increase: Westmoreland County Community College is reporting about a 2% increase over last year. That's the first time in 14 years that WCCC has had a growth in enrollment, officials say.It also comes at a time where Penn State is winding down operations at seven of its branch campuses, including its New Kensington and Fayette campuses, due to finances, enrollment declines and the limited potential for growth. Those campuses would close following the spring 2027 semester; this fall was the last class accepted at those locations.Bullock said it doesn't appear the Penn State closures contributed to CCAC's growth. The Greater Allegheny campus near McKeesport is remaining open.What Bullock is anticipating, however, is a projected demographic cliff tied to declining birth rates around 2007. Experts say the number of high school graduates in Pennsylvania is anticipated to drop by 17% in 2041.Next fall is the test to see how CCAC is impacted by the demographic shift, Bullock said.In the meantime, CCAC continues to work to attract students through events like open houses, high school visits and tours; and retain them by investing in support services, financial resources, student activities and strong academic programming and counseling, he said."We are increasing our penetration rate, which means we are increasing all of our opportunities to collaborate with all our school districts," he said."We will also continue to review data to continue to maximize and attract more students and build up programs of very strong attraction, retention and completion."Kellen Stepler is a TribLive staff writer. He can be reached at [email protected].

From Pitt to CMU to CCAC, Pittsburgh universities have faced clashes over speech, politics and academic freedom for nearly a century.