Houston City College surpasses 100,000 students, marking major enrollment milestone


Houston City College (HCC) has surpassed 100,000 enrolled students, reaching its highest enrollment since 2019 and marking a major milestone in the college’s ongoing momentum, growth and student success.

The achievement fulfills a goal set by Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D., during last year’s fall convocation, when she challenged faculty and staff to restore enrollment and build an even stronger college focused on student success. Since 2022, HCC’s student award attainment rate has increased by 30%, and the college is on track to graduate a record number of students.

“With the great team we have assembled and the outstanding support of our Board of Trustees, we have been united by a single purpose,” Dr. Ford Fisher said. “Every campus, every office and every employee embraced the mission of expanding access to opportunity, upward mobility and meaningful careers. We are investing in people, building stronger communities and preparing a highly skilled workforce to shape what’s next for Houston."

The enrollment milestone reflects years of progress following declines experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, HCC welcomed students back to campus, revitalized campus life, adopted its new name as Houston City College, launched a redesigned website, and expanded opportunities and student support.

Dr. Ford Fisher said the enrollment growth has been intentional, with innovative programs and curricula designed to meet evolving student and local employer needs.

That momentum continues. Just two weeks ago, the HCC Board of Trustees approved three new applied bachelor’s degree programs – Information Technology, Project Management and Early Childhood Education. The programs are advancing through the accreditation process.

“We are excited about these courses and the continued program growth,” said HCC Board Chair Eva Loredo. “We are focusing on education that changes the lives of students, their families and our communities.”

Surpassing 100,000 students further strengthens HCC’s position as one of the fastest-growing colleges in Texas and underscores the affordable, high-quality education it offers.

“Our responsibility is to anticipate where our region is headed and respond quickly,” Dr. Ford Fisher said. “We want to ensure our students have flexible pathways to the careers of today and the future.”