North Idaho College enrollment increased in 2024

After an extended period marked by political tension and uncertainty about the future, North Idaho College is getting back to basics. 

That’s what NIC President Nick Swayne told lawmakers recently, when they visited the college as part of the Idaho Legislative tour. 

Swayne highlighted the college’s mission and focus on jobs, sustainable and profitable business models in the community, a well-trained workforce and increased workforce participation. 

“This is the real heart of what we do,” he told the legislators gathered in the Schuler Performing Arts Center. “We want to build and be part of a community where our kids can stay when they grow up. We need to have good roads, good healthcare, good schools and a place where they can get a good job that pays well.” 

Since last February, NIC has operated under a show cause sanction, the last step before loss of accreditation. This sanction stems primarily from problems with board governance and trustee behavior. Federal regulations stipulate that the college has until April 1, 2025, to resolve the remaining issues identified by the accrediting body. 

The most recent report from NIC’s accreditor, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, indicates that governance has improved. But after an October visit to campus, evaluators stressed that these positive changes must be sustained. 

The board will undergo a significant change beginning in late November, when three new trustees take their seats. Rick Durbin, Eve Knudtsen and Mary Havercroft won the hotly contested nonpartisan races for three open seats on the boat, flipping the majority bloc that has been the driving force behind governance decisions since 2022. 

Meanwhile, NIC’s enrollment picture is brightening. For the first time since 2011, NIC has seen significant increases in every major enrollment category. 

Overall enrollment at NIC is up 15% over last fall. College leaders attribute this increase to a combination of community outreach and efforts by staff to streamline the enrollment process, making it easier and more efficient for prospective students to enroll. 

The college is also bucking a downward trend that’s affecting colleges and universities nationwide. A 2023 Pew Research study found that college enrollment among Americans aged 18 to 24 has declined gradually over the past decade, largely due to fewer young men pursuing college.  

About 39% of young men who have completed high school are enrolled in college, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, down from 47% in 2011.  

At NIC, male students make up about 40% of the student body. The number of male students enrolled at the college increased nearly 25% over last fall. Administrators said the increase could align with a rise in career and technical education enrollment, since these programs are traditionally male-dominated. 

Overall career and technical enrollment is up 13.5% over last year. A total of 210 new CTE students are attending NIC full-time this year, according to the college. The number of female CTE students has increased 90%. 

When Swayne addressed lawmakers on campus, he emphasized NIC’s role in the local and regional economy. 

“Those are the important things that a community college brings to the table,” he said. “If you focus on that, it gets away from the politics of it.” 

A fourth-generation Idahoan with roots in Orofino, Swayne said he’s committed to helping the college thrive — and the community with it. 

“Being part of Idaho is really foundational for me and restoring North Idaho College to its greatness is an important part of why I’m here,” he said. 

    NIC student Samuel Denney leads a group in an NIC mountaineering class on Feb. 13 up Tubbs Hill in Coeur d’Alene.
  

    NIC student Rian Short participates in an assignment as part of a stage makeup course on Oct. 9 in Boswell Hall at NIC’s Coeur d’Alene campus.
  

    NIC student Sofia Lippiello and others view a solar eclipse on April 8 outside at the Lee Kildow Hall Plaza at NIC’s Coeur d’Alene campus.