Oakland Community College students are taking more credits and progressing toward graduation faster than ever before. Enrollment data shows the College is in its fourth consecutive year of sustained growth, with students graduating at a higher rate.
In Fall 2025, students are taking an average of 8.95 credits – the highest in 20 years, said OCC’s Chief of Staff and Strategy Dr. Steve Simpson. The College’s expansion of online classes, paired with greater flexibility in course schedules, has contributed significantly to these credit gains.
“Our goal is to get students on a two-to-three-year plan to graduate,” said Simpson. “Research shows the best way to accelerate the path to completion is with early credit momentum. The longer it takes for a student to complete a degree, the more likely factors such as work, kids and finances will interfere with their plans.”
Enrollment Continues to Rise
OCC’s strategic efforts to grow Dual Enrollment and Early College participation, along with new student recruitment, are fueling much of the College’s growth. Total enrollment reached 16,125 for Fall 2025, up from 15,303 in Fall 2024.
Behind these numbers is a growing group of new students who see OCC as the right starting point. New student enrollment increased 5%, rising from 4,745 in Fall 2024 to 5,073 in Fall 2025, with the largest gain among students ages 18-24.
Keira Lovell, 18, graduated from high school in June and began taking prerequisite nursing classes this semester. Lovell, who plans to transfer to Oakland University, said OCC is the right fit for her.
“I didn’t want to take out loans, and OCC has smaller class sizes,” she said while studying at the Auburn Hills campus. “Instructors here provide extra help, and I need that help.”
National trends mirror OCC’s momentum. The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center (NSCRC) reported in January 2025 that community colleges saw an enrollment increase in Fall 2024 of nearly 6%, outpacing public four-year (3.2%) and private nonprofit four-year institutions (4.4%).
Doubling the Graduation Rate
OCC’s graduation rate is improving across six-year graduation cohorts, according to data compiled by the College’s Institutional Effectiveness Department. Since setting the goal to double its graduation rate in Fall 2022, the percentage of students graduating within 6 years has risen from 12.2% to 17.3%, and the 3-year graduation rate increased from 6.8% to 9.3%.
“Our goal is to double the graduation rate, and to do that we will continue to transform how we serve students, working to proactively engage and support them collegewide through improved processes, technology and innovation,” said OCC Chancellor Peter Provenzano, Jr. “By growing the postsecondary attainment rate in the communities we serve, we also improve their economic stability and mobility, filling the needs of employers while increasing the prosperity and quality of life throughout our county and region.”
Online Learning Drives Student Success
Students continue to seek flexible course options that fit their learning styles and complex schedules, with many choosing fully online programs.
To meet the demand, OCC now offers 20 fully online degrees and certificates, including Mental Health/Social Work, Software Engineering and Business Administration. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, OCC only offered two.
“Online courses are essential to today’s student, and the Distance Learning Committee and the Community of Online Instructors at OCC are working hard to ensure high quality online instruction that helps students toward their academic goals," said Suzanne Labadie, Faculty English and Chair of OCC’s Distance Learning Committee.
OCC recently earned the highest ranking among Michigan community colleges with online undergraduate and graduate education programs on America’s Top Online Learning Schools 2026. The College received a five-star rating and was one of only 40 community colleges recognized among the nation’s 250 online colleges, placing within the top 150 overall.
Shaping a Stronger Future for Students
With more students enrolling, taking more credits and completing their degrees at increasing rates, OCC is seeing the results of its long-term investments in flexibility, accessibility and student support. From expanding online programs to strengthening pathways for early-college students, OCC is building the momentum needed to help students succeed.
About OCC
Celebrating 60 years, Oakland Community College (OCC) has educated over one million students since 1965. OCC offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs and is committed to student success with affordable tuition, support services, flexible class options and top transfer opportunities. The College serves more than 20,000 students annually while advancing our community through education, training and career support. OCC is nationally recognized as Michigan’s top online college, and seventh in the U.S., by Newsweek’s America’s Top Online Colleges 2025. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.
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Media Contact: Marketing & Communications | (248) 341-2020 | contactus@oaklandcc.edu