Clinton Community College Set for Another Year of Growth, Opportunities

A stone sign that reads Clinton Community College surrounded by a garden

The 2026-27 academic year is set to bring another year of growth at Clinton Community College, with increased enrollment, new academic opportunities and expanded programs for students across the North Country.

Just one year after its historic relocation to learning spaces at SUNY Plattsburgh and CVPH-UVM Health, along with the continued development of its Institute for Advanced Manufacturing, Clinton is preparing to welcome students back for the start of the fall semester on Monday, Aug. 24.

"Our continued growth reflects the confidence students and families place in Clinton Community College and the value of an affordable, high-quality education close to home," said President Ken Knelly. "Whether students are preparing for a career, advancing in the workforce or planning to transfer to a four-year institution after Clinton, we work to provide opportunities that help them succeed while supporting the needs of our region."

The first week of classes features a variety of activities to help students connect and engage with campus life, including a Sunrise Social offering breakfast and refreshments on the first day back, as well as an Ultimate Campus Challenge scavenger hunt and a Dirty Soda Bar event later in the week.

The college is on track to post another double-digit enrollment increase this fall, with preliminary projections showing enrollment up approximately 10% compared with last fall. More detailed numbers will be available a few weeks after the start of classes.

Several academic programs continue to experience strong growth, including business, criminal justice and transfer programs. Enrollment also remains strong in Clinton's nursing and skilled trades programs.

This year, more students at Clinton are taking advantage of SUNY Reconnect, which allows eligible adult learners ages 25-55 to earn an associate degree at no cost in designated areas of study. The 2026-27 academic year marks the program's second year.

Clinton is also expanding educational and workforce development opportunities throughout the region. For example, the college recently launched a Police Officer Registered Apprenticeship Program in partnership with local law enforcement agencies, the New York State Department of Labor and SUNY. The program provides training for new local police officers serving communities in Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties.

Clinton has also expanded its Prison Education Program and now serves incarcerated students at both Altona Correctional Facility and Clinton Correctional Facility.