Texarkana College Sets Enrollment Record with 5,100 Students
Record enrollment surpasses 2009 high as more students choose TC for college degrees, workforce training and dual-credit opportunities
TEXARKANA, Texas, September 8, 2026: Texarkana College has set a new all-time enrollment record, with 5,100 students enrolled for fall 2026 as of September 4, surpassing the college’s previous record of 5,054 students set in 2009.
The historic milestone comes as TC continues to enroll students for second eight-week courses beginning October 12.
The record Texarkana College enrollment reflects continued growth in workforce education, dual credit and college opportunities across the region.
What this means for local families: Texarkana College’s growth includes expanding participation in dual credit and workforce education, giving area students more pathways to begin college early or prepare for in-demand careers.
Texarkana College Enrollment Reaches a Historic High
“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,” said Texarkana College President Dr. Jason Smith. “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 Texarkana College 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 Programs Help Drive Enrollment 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 education and 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 Opens College Opportunities Earlier
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. Their work is helping build a college-going culture throughout the region and opening the door to college for more students at an earlier stage in their education.
Higher Education Is Growing Across the Texarkana Region
The growth at Texarkana College is part of a larger trend in higher education across the region.
For Texarkana families, that growth means more local opportunities for students to pursue college degrees, career training and pathways that can prepare them for life after high school.
Texas A&M University-Texarkana has achieved record enrollment growth, while University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana continues to experience strong year-over-year enrollment growth.
Smith said the momentum at all three institutions reflects the strength of the region and the importance of collaboration among its higher education leaders.
“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. When our institutions work together, our residents, our industries and our families all benefit. This is about more than enrollment numbers. It is about creating opportunities for people and building the workforce that will drive the economic future of our region.”
What Comes Next for Texarkana College
While the college is celebrating a historic milestone, Smith said the focus remains on what comes next.
“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.”
