Texarkana College sets all-time enrollment record with 5,100 students
Texarkana College has set a new all-time enrollment record, enrolling 5,100 students for fall 2026 as of Sept. 4 and surpassing the college’s previous record of 5,054 students set in 2009.
The milestone comes as TC continues to enroll students for its second session of eight-week courses, which begin Oct. 12.
“This record is exciting because of what it represents: more students being given an opportunity, more families being impacted, and more people in our region preparing for a better future,” Texarkana College President Dr. Jason Smith said. “More students are choosing Texarkana College than at any other time in our history, and that says something very special about this institution and the confidence students and families have in us.”
Smith said the record reflects a culture of student success and the commitment of TC faculty and staff to helping students reach their educational and career goals.
“This is not the accomplishment of one department or one group of people. It belongs to the entire Texarkana College family,” Smith said. “Our faculty and staff care deeply about our students and make it their mission to help them succeed. That caring culture is one of the reasons Texarkana College continues to be ‘A Great Place to Start or Start Over!’”
Texarkana College ranks No. 1 among public community colleges in Texas for student completion rates, continuing a decade-long record of strong student outcomes.
Workforce and dual credit drive growth
Workforce education is playing a significant role in the college’s growth. For the fourth consecutive year, workforce enrollment has increased by more than 20% as students pursue training for high-demand careers in nursing, aviation technology, welding, construction, HVAC, automotive and diesel technology, culinary arts, cosmetology, electrical technology, and other fields.
Dual credit is another major driver of enrollment growth. Through partnerships with area school districts, high school students can earn college credit while completing high school, with an increasing number graduating with both a high school diploma and a Texarkana College associate degree.
Texarkana College’s Academic Coaches for Dual Credit, known as ACDCs, work directly with students, parents, teachers, counselors, and campus administrators to help students navigate enrollment, overcome barriers, and develop strategies for college success.
The growth at Texarkana College is part of a larger trend across the region. Texas A&M University-Texarkana has achieved record enrollment growth, while University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana continues to see strong year-over-year enrollment growth.
“We are seeing something very encouraging across our entire region,” Smith said. “Dr. Ross Alexander at Texas A&M University-Texarkana, Dr. Ricky Tompkins at University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana, and I are committed to working together to strengthen higher education and build the skilled workforce our region needs to compete and grow.”
“We are proud of this moment, but we are not done,” Smith said. “We will continue creating opportunities for students throughout our region and helping them build a better future for themselves and their families.”