Students walking outside the Student Center on the Western Texas College campus.
Western Texas College welcomed 1,601 students for fall 2026, marking a 10.7% increase over fall 2025 and the College’s highest fall enrollment in three years, according to official census data.
The increase represents 155 additional students to fall 2026 enrollment at Western Texas College (WTC) compared with 1,446 in fall 2025. Academic contact hours rose 4.5% to 267,328, while semester credit hours climbed from 12,421 to 13,209. Full-time equivalent enrollment also increased 5.4% to 1,185 students.
“This enrollment growth represents much more than a number. It represents more students choosing Western Texas College as a place to begin or continue their education and prepare for their future,” said WTC President Dr. Laurie Sharp. “Our faculty and staff have worked intentionally to expand access, strengthen our partnerships, and create pathways that meet students where they are. These results demonstrate the impact of that collective work and give us tremendous momentum as we look toward the future.”
Dual credit helped fuel the increase. WTC enrolled 807 high school students in college-credit courses this fall, up from 683 in fall 2025 and 625 in fall 2024. Dual credit students now account for approximately half of WTC’s enrollment.
Campus and online enrollment grew to 734 students. WTC’s Prison Education Programs through the Texas Department of Criminal Justice enrolled 60 students.
Career and technical education also recorded substantial gains. The number of students pursuing vocational or career credentials increased 25%, from 209 in 2025 to 262 in 2026. Contact hours in those programs rose from 41,367 to 51,808.
Including continuing education, WTC served 1,804 students in fall 2026, up 6.4% from 1,696 in 2025. Total contact hours across the College reached 283,551, a 3.9% increase.
“Our enrollment results reflect the importance of providing multiple pathways into higher education,” said Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Laura Caswell. “Whether a student comes to WTC directly from high school, begins through dual credit, enrolls in a workforce program or returns to college to build new skills, our goal is to provide an accessible pathway that leads to meaningful educational and career opportunities.”
WTC expanded its reach throughout the region, enrolling 350 students from Scurry County and 424 from other communities within its service area. Enrollment from those communities rose from 353 students in 2025 to 424 in 2026. Mitchell County enrollment increased from 119 to 182 students, while Nolan County enrollment grew from 160 to 194.
The Opportunity Tuition Waiver helped 139 students access education at WTC this fall, compared with 126 in 2025. WTC awarded $161,020 in waivers, including $132,642 for 73 on-campus students and $28,378 for 66 high school students. The Waiver helps eligible Scurry County students reduce the cost of attending WTC by covering tuition and certain required fees.
“These numbers reinforce the importance of keeping higher education accessible and connected to the communities we serve,” Sharp said. “As Western Texas College moves forward with Serving Students Together: A 10-Year Strategy for Western Texas College (2026–2036), we will continue building on this momentum by strengthening student pathways, responding to workforce needs, supporting our regional partners and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.”
The enrollment gains come as WTC begins implementing its strategic plan. The plan prioritizes student success, educational access, workforce and community partnerships, and WTC’s role in supporting the long-term vitality of Snyder, Scurry County and the broader West Texas region.