While the campus is busier than last year as more in-person classes resume, student enrollment at BC3 is down this year by about 11 percent from one year ago.

According to an email from executive director of communications and marketing Jessica Matonak, there are 2,145 enrolled as of now.

Case Willoughby, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management, said that while college enrollment is down nationwide, several other variables have affected potential BC3 students, including coronavirus. The trend could also be seen last year.

“Last year COVID hit us mostly with new students,” Willoughby said. “For a lot of people, a concern for safety might impact their decision to go to college.”

Besides safety concerns and some students not wanting to take classes online, Willoughby said the shrinking size of high school classes has also impacted BC3.

The college has three more start dates for sessions before the end of the year, beginning Sept. 20, Sept. 27 and Nov. 1.

Willoughby said enrollment projections for these dates is difficult because of different variables, but each will bring in some more students.

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