Central Piedmont hits record enrollment of 34,000 students, expands programs to meet Charlotte’s workforce demands

CHARLOTTE, NC – Central Piedmont Community College has reached a historic milestone this fall, enrolling more than 34,000 students across its curriculum, continuing education, and basic skills programs. This marks a 19% increase over fall 2024 and the highest single-semester enrollment in the college’s history, underscoring Central Piedmont’s growing impact as a driver of workforce development and economic mobility in the Charlotte region. 

The college has increased enrollment for the last four and a half academic years, dating back to the summer of 2021. 

Enrollment in the college’s curriculum programs rose by 13%, totaling 23,441 students, reflecting strong interest in high-demand fields such as healthcare, information technology, and advanced manufacturing. Continuing education programs experienced a remarkable 55% increase in enrollment, while basic skills programs grew by 31%, serving 4,652 students, empowering students to complete high school, learn English as a second language, and build confidence for independent living. 

“This record enrollment is a testament to the college’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our community,” said Dr. Amy Bruining, vice president of student affairs at Central Piedmont. “Whether students are pursuing a degree, upgrading their skills, or preparing for a new career, Central Piedmont is here to support their journey and fuel Charlotte’s economic growth.” 

Central Piedmont’s enrollment increase is fueled by several strategic initiatives: 

• Introduction of multi-term registration, which allows students to plan their academic journey up to a year in advance. 

• Increase in scholarships and flexible payment plans, significantly reducing financial barriers and making college more accessible to all. The college provided over $4.2 million in scholarship support in 2024-25. 

• Additional transfer and guaranteed admission programs, supporting students who plan to continue their education at four-year institutions. The college recently announced transfer partnerships with North Carolina State University and Arizona State University and now offers guaranteed admission programs with 18 institutions. 

• Introduction of innovative learning options, including global learning experiences, earn-and-learn programs, work-based learning, and new courses in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. 

• Expansion of Central Piedmont Academy, placing college faculty directly in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) to expose high school students to college-level material and mentorship earlier in their academic journey. 

Central Piedmont has experienced remarkable growth across its academic programs. Highlights include:  

• Enrollment in information technology’s network management and cybersecurity track more than doubled, increasing from 154 to 316 students — a 105% rise — making it one of the college’s fastest-growing programs.  

• Enrollment in business-focused transfer pathways grew by 31.7%, with 413 more students enrolling this fall.  

• Transfer-oriented programs also saw significant gains. The associate in arts program grew by 27.1%, adding 383 students, while the associate in engineering program increased by 30.2%, with 672 students enrolled this fall.  

• Other top growth areas include the associate in arts in teacher preparation, which rose by 32.7%; automotive systems technology, up 32.5%; and the biological sciences pathway, which grew by 23.5%. 

This surge in enrollment also comes as the region continues to grow rapidly, with an average of 157 people moving to the area each day, according to the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance.  

Central Piedmont continues to keep pace with Charlotte’s rapid growth by expanding career-aligned programs that prepare students to graduate and enter the workforce immediately, while also offering lifelong learning and seamless transfer pathways to four-year institutions.