FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rend Lake College Announces Significant Enrollment Growth for Spring 2026
INA, Ill. (Feb. 9, 2026) — Rend Lake College is celebrating a strong increase in student enrollment for the Spring 2026 semester, reflecting renewed momentum in higher education participation across the region.
The college recorded a12.42% increase in overall headcount enrollment, growing from 1,932 students in Spring 2025 to 2,172 students in Spring 2026. Full-time equivalency (FTE), which measures overall credit hour enrollment, also saw notable growth, increasing 10.28% from 1,227 to 1,353.17 FTE.
“These enrollment numbers are extremely encouraging," said RLC President Lori Ragland. "Continued education beyond high school is critical to increasing future earnings and strengthening our communities. The same educational path is not right for everyone, but pursuing some level of education or training after high school is essential for long-term success.”
Additional enrollment indicators highlight the college’s continued growth and student engagement. RLC improved its student persistence rate from fall to spring semesters, increasing from 72% retention between Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 to 79% between Fall 2025 and Spring 2026.
The college also experienced gains in specialized areas of instruction. Dual Credit enrollment increased by 98 students, reaching 818 students this spring, while online course participation and overall credit hour enrollment also rose compared to the previous year.
Ragland credited the college’s faculty and staff for their commitment to supporting student success and advancing the college’s mission.
“I am incredibly proud of the faculty and staff at Rend Lake College and their daily dedication to serving students,” Ragland said. “Their passion, innovation and commitment to student success make these results possible and continue to drive our mission forward.”
RLC offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs, providing students with flexible pathways into the workforce or transfer opportunities to four-year institutions. Prospective students and community members can explore these programs during the college’s upcoming Open House.
The RLC Open House will be held Feb. 11, offering attendees the opportunity to meet faculty, tour facilities, and learn about available academic and career programs. Open House visitors can also learn about RLC’s new competency-based At My Pace (A.M.P.) program, which currently offers Welding Fundamentals and Welding Technology. Introductory courses are broken into one-credit-hour segments, allowing learners to progress at their own pace and customize their training based on their goals. The Open House will have information about financial aid options, as well as on-site registration for summer and fall 2026.
For more information about the Open House, visit rlc.edu/openhouse.
