The National Student Clearinghouse said nationwide college enrollment dropped across the board due to the pandemic but community college enrollment was hit the hardest with a decrease of about 11% over the past year, but Tulsa Community College officials say their enrollment only dropped 6.6%.

TCC officials say during the pandemic they braced for a hard hit to enrollment but say they have been impressed with how many students stayed in school.

The Clearinghouse showed that the most impacted student demographic is those who are disadvantaged, specifically first-generation college students and students of color.

TCC’s Rachel Achivare Hill said those two categories make up a large population of their students and they are grateful many people were able to stay in school and they are hoping to increase their enrollment in the fall.

“Everybody is ready to see our community get back to normal and meet with students in person and for us, in the recruiting space, it’s been a challenge to get in-person one-on-one interaction with prospective students,” Achivare said.

If you would like to meet with TCC about enrollment, you can find them at various community events through the summer, some of which are listed below.

-Tulsa Public Schools Graduation Week: May 21-29.

TCC will be set up in schools as seniors wrap up their high school careers with information on how to enroll and point potential students in the right direction if they have any questions.

“We will be set up that week in the spirit section to cheer on and celebrate the graduates as they begin their next steps,” Achivare said.

-Every week through the summer: May, June, July, August.

There will be tables and booths set up on the TCC campuses available for any help or information needed by future or even current students.