Williston State College Records Highest Summer Enrollment in College History

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Williston State College Records Highest Summer Enrollment in College History

Williston, ND - Williston State College has achieved the largest summer enrollment in the college's history, with 234 students enrolled at census for Summer 2026. This represents a 23.8% increase from the 189 students enrolled during Summer 2025.

Growth was also reflected across several key enrollment measures. Full-time equivalent enrollment reached 84.12, an increase of 41.3%, while students registered for a combined 1,262 credit hours-more than 41% above the previous summer. Degree-seeking enrollment increased by 22% to 172 students, and non-degree-seeking enrollment grew by 29.2% to 62 students.

"Reaching the highest summer enrollment in Williston State College history reflects the trust students place in WSC and the tremendous work our faculty and staff do to make education accessible, flexible and relevant," said Dr. Bernell Hirning, President of Williston State College. "These numbers represent more than growth. They represent students taking meaningful steps toward completing a degree, advancing in their careers or beginning their college journey. We are proud to meet students where they are and help them continue moving forward."

Flexible learning opportunities played an important role in this summer's growth. WSC enrolled 196 online-only students, a 21.7% increase from Summer 2025, while online credit hours increased by nearly 40% to 1,008.

Early Entry and Dual Credit participation also continued to grow, reaching 43 students and 252 credit hours. Those figures represent increases of 16.2% and nearly 27%, respectively, from the previous summer.

The record-setting summer term reflects WSC's continued commitment to providing accessible, student-centered educational opportunities for students throughout northwest North Dakota, eastern Montana and beyond.

About Williston State College

Williston State College is a two-year public college in Williston, North Dakota, offering transfer programs, career and technical education, and workforce training. WSC provides students with affordable educational opportunities, personalized support and pathways to continued education and meaningful careers-where the people make the difference.