BEAVER, WV (LOOTPRESS) – New River Community and Technical College is reporting strong enrollment growth for Fall 2026, with overall enrollment up nearly 11 percent compared with Fall 2025.
The increase is being seen across multiple areas of the College’s enrollment. First-time freshman enrollment is up nearly 26 percent compared with Fall 2025, reflecting significant growth among students beginning their college experience at New River.
Dual enrollment also continues to grow. With high school registration still underway, New River expects to serve more than 850 dual enrollment students this fall. The College entered the fall semester after recording the second highest dual enrollment headcount among West Virginia’s nine community and technical colleges in Fall 2025, according to the state’s Fall 2025 Enrollment Report.
“Enrollment growth is important, but what is most meaningful is what that growth represents: more West Virginians seeing New River as a place where they can build a better future,” said New River CTC President Dr. Bonny Copenhaver. “Whether it is a high school student beginning college early, a recent graduate preparing for a career, or an adult returning to college for a new opportunity, we want New River to be accessible, affordable and responsive to the needs of the communities we serve.”
The enrollment increase comes as New River continues to expand opportunities for students throughout its service area while strengthening support for both new and returning students.
“This growth has been intentional, and it has truly been a college-wide effort,” said Michael Green, Vice President/Chief of Staff. “There isn’t one initiative or one office responsible for what we are seeing. It starts with how we communicate, market and tell New River’s story, and continues through the work of our entire Institutional Advancement team and our Enrollment Services division. Just as importantly, our faculty and staff have been intentional about persistence and retention efforts, helping the students who are already here continue moving toward their goals. When all of those efforts work together and remain focused on the student, this is the result.”
New River continues to focus on providing accessible educational opportunities while responding to the workforce and educational needs of the communities it serves.
“For us, enrollment is ultimately about opportunity,” Copenhaver said. “Every additional student represents another person who has chosen to invest in themselves, their family and their future. Our responsibility is to make sure we provide the education, support and pathway they need to succeed.”
