Events
Spring Enrollment Hits Record High
RALEIGH, N.C. (January 7, 2026) – Wake Tech kicked off the Spring semester Wednesday with record-breaking enrollment, as more students choose the college to pursue their educational and career goals.
Wake Tech welcomed more than 27,000 degree-seeking students for the first day of classes – an increase of more than 9% compared to this time last year. The total includes nearly 22,500 continuing students and more than 4,700 new students.
Students enjoyed spring-like weather as they made their way to classes and explored campus locations. Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls greeted students at the Southern Wake Campus, chatting with many as they began their academic journeys. Among them was Bre Barton, a new student interested in Wake Tech's popular Associate Degree Nursing program.
"This is my first day of my first semester at Wake Tech," said Barton. "I was laid off in November, so this is a career change for me. I asked myself, what is stopping me? Everything, from the moment I decided to go on the Wake Tech website until today, has been so smooth and welcoming. I am confident I'm in the right place, doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing!"
Video: Dr. Ralls Welcomes Students Back to Campus
A major driver of Wake Tech's continued growth is the Career & College Promise (CCP) dual-enrollment program, which allows high school students to earn college credits or workforce credentials tuition-free while completing high school requirements. This spring, more than 5,400 CCP students are enrolled – a 25% increase from last spring.
Strong student retention is also contributing to the record numbers, as more students stay on track to complete their degrees.
"We're excited to see both new students joining us and continuing students making progress toward their goals," said Brian Gann, vice president of Enrollment & Student Services. "Wake Tech offers high-quality programs and flexible options that make college accessible and affordable. Students recognize the value we provide, not just for their education, but for their future careers and our local workforce."
This semester also marks the reopening of the renovated Math and Science Building at the Southern Wake Campus. Originally built in the 1980s, the building has been closed for more than a year and reopens in March with state-of-the-art science labs, including an expanded STEM lab and an outdoor biology lab.
Wake Tech makes starting college simple – applications are accepted year-round, so students can begin their journey whenever they're ready. Apply anytime at apply.waketech.edu.
