schools
Texas community colleges showing small signs of recovery after enrollment decline, report finds
By Texas Tribune, Sneha Dey at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 7, 2026
· 3 min read
Texas community colleges have struggled with enrollment over the past 15 years as many high school graduates opted to go straight into the workforce, but a new report points to signs of the campuses pivoting to stay relevant.More students are graduating from Texas high schools, yet the state’s ju...
Key takeaway Now the state has about 700,000 students enrolled in those schools, which is still down from about 750,000 students 15 years ago, according to state data.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
In the San Antonio area, the small gains in enrollment at Texas community colleges could have a significant impact on the local workforce. As the construction industry continues to grow, with new developments and infrastructure projects popping up around the city, the need for skilled workers is increasing. Community colleges play a crucial role in providing training and certification programs that can help fill this gap. The expansion of dual credit offerings and short-term credentials could be particularly beneficial for San Antonio students, who can gain valuable skills and experience while still in high school. With about 700,000 students currently enrolled in Texas community colleges, even a small increase in enrollment could translate to a substantial number of skilled workers entering the local job market, which could have a positive effect on the city's economic development and growth.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Texas community colleges have struggled with enrollment over the past 15 years as many high school graduates opted to go straight into the workforce, but a new report points to signs of the campuses pivoting to stay relevant.More students are graduating from Texas high schools, yet the state’s ju...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Texas Tribune, Sneha Dey at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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