(March 31, 2011) – Lone Star College System was again ranked as Number 1 in the list of Largest Houston-Area Colleges and Universities published annually by the Houston Business Journal.
The ranking, which was published in the March 18-24 edition of HBJ, was based on credit student enrollment for fall 2010 when LSCS had 69,339 attend its colleges. This fall 2010 enrollment number does not include additional students who attended LSCS for non-credit, continuing education courses.
Second on the HBJ list was the University of Houston with a student enrollment of 38,752.
LSCS is experiencing record-breaking student enrollments – a 39 percent increase during the past two years. During that time, the college system added more than 19,000 students.
College officials cite the weak economy as one factor that has driven more students to LSCS seeking a quality education, with an affordable tuition, that can be obtained close to home. Certification in a number of high-demand careers can be completed at LSCS in two years or less.
“This Houston Business Journal recognition is always an important accolade for Lone Star College, especially as we work to accommodate the growth,” said Dr. Richard Carpenter, LSCS chancellor. “But our mission isn’t about being big; it’s about being the best.”
Lone Star College has been nationally recognized for its partnerships with four-year institutions and innovative approaches to learning by being selected to host an U.S. Department of Education community college regional summit in March at LSC-University Park. LSC was also recognized as a 2010 North America Visionary Award for innovative “green” initiatives in its Office of Technology Services that has saved the college system money.
Also LSC boasts 100 percent pass rates for students taking their national and state exams in areas such as in nursing, radiologic technology, occupational therapy, pharmacy technology, veterinary technology, firefighting, criminal justice (police officers) and dental hygiene. And LSC was named as a “Great Place to Work” in 2010 for the second consecutive year in the Chronicle of Higher Education’s annual report.
With more than 69,000 students in credit classes for spring 2011, and a total enrollment of more than 85,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area, and the fastest-growing community college system in Texas. Dr. Richard Carpenter is the chancellor of LSCS, which consists of five colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, and LSC-Tomball, six centers, LSC-University Park, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.
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