Crowley’s Ridge College (Paragould, Ark) sets an enrollment record for Fall 2024, welcoming 243 students, and continuing it’s fifth consecutive academic year of enrollment growth.
The 11th day census “snapshot,” required by the Division of Higher Education, revealed an overall enrollment of 243, an 8% increase from last year and a new record over the previous highest headcount of 230 in Fall 2016. On campus residential student numbers are also up 33% from last year. In the last five years, CRC enrollment has seen a 30% increase.
With higher education enrollment down as a whole at public institutions in the United States, this growth is especially encouraging to colleges such as Crowley’s Ridge because it indicates that students are in fact valuing the private, faith-based education that CRC stands for.
“The teachers and students here are like family,” says first time freshman Jaden Yates. “The campus feels like home because, to me, it is. CRC has been so impactful in my growth as a person and as a Christian.”
This fall’s incoming class of new students totals 85, which is made up of students representing 14 different states including Arkansas (41). In addition, 27 of the 85 are transfer students. One of which is Marketing major, Georgia Spinks. She states, “I attended a different school as my first choice that was beautiful, welcoming, and all of the great things an incoming student is looking for, but it was missing one thing: the feeling of home. So I prayed and prayed, and the Lord led me here where I have been blessed with a supportive community and opportunities that only God could’ve orchestrated. This place is truly like none other, and I give all thanks to God for being brought to the place I now call home.”
“Our students this year often greet me and everyone with a smile,” says CRC President Dr. Richard Johnson. “They seem happy to be at CRC and I am very happy they have chosen it as their college to come home to. I have also noticed that our singing at chapel sounds fantastic! It is very gratifying to see our enrollment continuing to increase, considering many experts have predicted an enrollment cliff with a downward turn over the next few years. I am so thankful that God continues to bless Crowley’s Ridge College and for the opportunity we have to help provide so many fine young men and women with such a quality Christian higher education experience.”
The numbers that are generated on the 11th day of classes will provide the enrollment “snapshot” that is required by the Division of Higher Education. Enrollment numbers will continue to vary until they are officially reported in October.
About Crowley’s Ridge College: CRC is a private, four-year Christian college located in Paragould, Arkansas. As an institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, it offers Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees in a variety of areas. CRC aims to lead and encourage all students to use their various experiences toward building a philosophy of life that is consistent with Christian ideals and will lead them into a future of service to both God and their community. Founded in 1964, CRC will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a special celebration on Saturday, October 12th, 2024. CRC is listed in the 2024 “Best Bang for the Buck Rankings (South),” which is the Washington Monthly’s list of schools ranking according to how well they assist non-wealthy students (families earning less than $75,000 per year) attain marketable degrees at affordable prices. CRC’s ranking is 54 out of 218. Students can enjoy a vibrant campus life while pursuing their educational goals. CRC’s current cost is $465 per credit hour for in-state or out-of-state students, which is much lower than most private and some public universities in Arkansas. Visit www.crc.edu to learn more.
