Ozarks Tech opened the fall 2026 semester with its fifth consecutive year of enrollment growth, driven by rising demand for some construction trade and health science programs that saw double-digit enrollment increases.
According to the Ozarks Tech Office of Research, more students are pursuing technical education programs like Construction Technology, Electrical, Welding, Automotive Technology and Diesel Technology. Each of these programs increased enrollment by more than 30%, reflecting strong student interest in skilled trades.
Data also shows more than 3,400 students are preparing for careers in nursing and other health care professions, representing a 16% increase in full-time equivalent enrollment. Interest is growing among high school students as well, with health sciences enrollment up 32%.
Through the Alliance for Healthcare Education, a partnership among Ozarks Tech, Springfield Public Schools, Missouri State University and CoxHealth, students can begin preparing for health care careers before graduating from high school, helping them save time and money while accelerating their path to college and the workforce.
On the first day of the fall semester, Monday, Aug. 24, full-time equivalent enrollment at Ozarks Tech was up 4% across all three academic divisions: Arts, Science & Business; Health Sciences; and Technical Education. Total enrollment across the college’s six locations and online programs exceeds 11,400 students. Technical education remains a popular choice, with more than 3,000 students receiving hands-on training in fields such as construction, automotive technology and aviation.
The growth reflects increasing demand for the value, support services and career-focused opportunities available at Ozarks Tech, which offers more than 100 programs of study. In mid-August, the college opened The U, a new student union featuring a food court, fitness center and study spaces. The third floor of the building is dedicated to the Academic Resource Center, which houses learning resources like the library and tutoring and writing centers.
High school students are also continuing to take advantage of early college opportunities. More than 1,800 students are earning college credit this semester through our high school programs, ranging from dual enrollment courses to immersive on-campus learning options.
Students seeking to start their college experience early can apply to the Career Center and Middle College programs, where juniors and seniors from partner school districts spend at least half of the school day learning on the Ozarks Tech campus. The college also offers dual enrollment courses, which allows students to earn high school and college credit at the same time.
Notably, demand for flexible learning options also continues to rise. Full-time equivalent enrollment in hybrid courses increased 16% this fall. Hybrid courses combine in-person instruction with online learning activities, providing greater flexibility for students balancing school, work and family responsibilities.
Fall 2026 Enrollment Fast Facts
General
- Full-time equivalent enrollment increased for the fifth consecutive fall semester, with a 4% increase.
- Overall enrollment across six locations exceeds 11,400 students; more than 1,800 students are earning credits through high school programs.
- Students are enrolled in over 100 academic programs offered by the college.
- Full-time equivalent enrollment in hybrid courses increased 16%.
Health Sciences
- More than 3,400 students are enrolled in health science courses offered by Ozarks Tech and through the Alliance for Healthcare Education.
- Full-time equivalent enrollment in health science courses increased 16%.
- Overall enrollment in high school health science courses increased 32%.
Technical Education
- More than 3,000 students are enrolled in technical education courses.
- Trade programs including Construction Technology, Automotive Technology, Welding, Diesel Technology, and Electrical all had enrollment increases above 30%.