Fast-Growing Careers Drive SOWELA’s Rising Enrollment – Find Out Which Fields Are Booming

Community colleges across the country experienced a nearly 6% increase in enrollment last year, and SOWELA Technical Community College is keeping pace with that trend. This spring, SOWELA saw another 5% boost in student enrollment, with some programs experiencing particularly strong growth.

The surgical technology program is leading the way with a jaw-dropping 58% increase, followed by aviation maintenance at 40% and industrial electrical at 20%.

“We’re seeing growth across multiple programs,” said SOWELA Chancellor Neil Aspinwall. “Given our region’s strong petrochemical industry, programs like process technology, industrial instrumentation, and nursing are drawing more students. We’re also seeing increased interest in business administration, graphic arts, and communication.”

Currently, 4,200 students are enrolled at SOWELA, and they have plenty of room for more. Registration is in progress for NextStart courses that begin on March 13, 2025. Exciting new programs are also contributing to the school’s expansion. Aspinwall announced,

“We just launched a culinary medicine program, which is a great addition,” Aspinwall said. “We also have a new partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard that allows graduates in culinary arts and automotive programs to enter the service at an advanced level. It’s a fantastic opportunity for our students.”

See admission requirments here.