Lake-Sumter State College celebrated the start of the fall semester with a historic milestone: serving more than 10,000 students annually, one year ahead of schedule.
In 2023, LSSC launched a new strategic plan with a goal to serve 10,000 students annually by Aug. 2026. That goal was surpassed this past year, with 10,092 students enrolled across the 2024–2025 academic year in credit and non-credit programs.
“Our students are at the heart of everything we do,” said Dr. Laura Byrd, interim president. “Achieving this milestone showcases the commitment of our faculty and staff to our students’ success. Students are choosing Lake-Sumter State College because of our commitment to their success, affordability and offering programs that connect students directly to in-demand careers right here in our region.”
This fall also marked the largest student body in the college’s history, with 7,146 credit-seeking students enrolled. Enrollment reflects steady growth across Lake and Sumter counties, fueled not only by population growth in the region but also by the college’s commitment to offering an affordable education with an excellent return on investment.
“We are proud to be seeing enrollment growth across all programs and demand from students in all parts of Lake and Sumter Counties,” said Dr. Joseph Mews, vice president of Enrollment and Student Affairs. “Students appreciate our commitment to their success and our innovative pathways that lead to valuable credentials and decrease time to completion.”
By creating partnerships through expanded high school programs, including dual enrollment, and its LakeWorks partnership with Lake Technical College, LSSC is creating seamless opportunities for students to accelerate their education and career training.
“Thanks to our low cost and financial support for students, many of our students graduate without debt and are prepared to continue their education or enter the workforce with the skills needed for high-demand jobs,” says Dr. Byrd.
The LSSC Foundation awarded over 1.7 million dollars in scholarships in 2024.
Key highlights of this fall’s enrollment include:
- 7,201 total students enrolled, an 18% increase with 1,102 more students than Fall 2024
- 1,259 students enrolled as first-time-in-college students, a 17% increase from last year
- 66% of students are 21 or younger, while enrollment for students 22 and older grew by 27%, showing LSSC’s ability to serve both traditional and adult learners.
- 25% increase in bachelor’s program enrollment, with record growth in leadership, elementary education, and nursing.
- Most popular areas of study include biology, business, computer science, education, engineering, nursing and psychology.
- LSSC Foundation awarded $670,000 in scholarships to Fall 2025 students
Dr. Mews also explained the popularity behind both the psychology and biology AA transfer pathways. “Many students who choose these pathways as on a pre-med track, with the long-term goal of entering healthcare careers with advanced degrees,” he said.
“We are especially proud that as we expand access to higher education, our students continue to be successful through our focus on student success,” said Dr. Byrd. “We are seeing increases in student retention and credential attainment meaning that students are performing better and graduating faster.”
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2025-08-26 14:14:00