PARAGOULD, Ark. – Crowley’s Ridge College has achieved the strongest enrollment results in its history for Fall 2026, setting all-time records in total headcount, full-time enrollment and full-time equivalency (FTE).
CRC enrolled 313 students this fall, surpassing the previous record of 311 set in Spring 2026 and marking the College’s third consecutive record-setting semester, and the seventh consecutive increase in total headcount.
The College also enrolled a record 192 full-time students, exceeding the previous high established in Fall 2017. Full-time enrollment increased by 37 students, or 23.9%, from Fall 2025. CRC’s FTE reached a new record of 230.93, surpassing the previous record set in Fall 2016 and increasing 21.4% from last fall.
“These enrollment records are a tremendous blessing for Crowley’s Ridge College, and an encouraging sign of the confidence students and families are placing in CRC,” said Dr. Richard Johnson, President. “I am especially thankful for the growth in our full-time and residential student populations because those students are at the heart of our campus community. This progress reflects the excellent work of our admissions team, coaches, faculty and staff, along with our continued commitment to providing a high quality, Christ-centered college experience. We have a great team at CRC and a great community who supports the College in numerous ways.”
Residential enrollment climbed to 136 students, an increase of 22 students, or 19.3%, from Fall 2025. The fall class includes 61 first-time freshmen and 40 first-time undergraduate transfer students.
CRC’s students this fall come from 28 states, with 205, or 65.5%, hailing from Arkansas! The College also serves 93 concurrent high school students from Paragould and Greene County, West Memphis, and Central Arkansas, and 27 UAMS students through its educational partnerships. Of the 313 students enrolled, 191 are seeking associate or bachelor’s degrees, and 153 participate in Pioneer Athletics.
Since Johnson began serving as president, CRC’s total enrollment has grown from 187 to 313 students, an increase of 67.4%. During the same period, FTE has increased from 177 to 230.93. “President Johnson will be the first to tell you that these increases are the result of God’s blessings and a dedicated team helping each other and all working toward the same goals,” says Brett Carlile, Vice President for Enrollment & Advancement.
About Crowley’s Ridge College
Crowley’s Ridge College is a private, four-year Christian college located in Paragould, Arkansas. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, CRC offers associate and bachelor’s degrees in a variety of fields. The College promotes academic and spiritual growth in every student and prepares graduates for lives of service to God and their communities and the ability to have successful careers through their educational experiences. To learn more, visit crc.edu.
CONTACT:
Natalie Harrell, Director of Marketing and Public Relations
870-236-6901 | nharrell@crc.edu
