Paragould, Arkansas – Crowley’s Ridge College is continuing a notable stretch of enrollment growth, with the Paragould institution reporting new records across several categories for the fall 2026 semester. The latest numbers mark the seventh consecutive increase in total student headcount and the third straight semester in which the college has established a new enrollment record.
Crowley’s Ridge College has reached another enrollment milestone, setting new records for its total student headcount, full-time enrollment and full-time equivalency for the fall 2026 semester.
The Paragould college reported 313 students enrolled this fall, surpassing the previous record of 311 students established during the spring 2026 semester. It is the third consecutive semester in which the school has set an enrollment record and the seventh consecutive increase in its overall headcount.
The latest numbers continue a period of steady growth for the college. Just months ago, Crowley’s Ridge College reported a record 311 students for the spring semester, up from the previous mark of 299 set in fall 2025.
“These enrollment records are a tremendous blessing for Crowley’s Ridge College, and an encouraging sign of the confidence students and families are placing in CRC,” said Dr. Richard Johnson, president.
The college also reached a new high for full-time enrollment. A total of 192 full-time students are attending CRC this fall, surpassing the previous full-time enrollment record established in fall 2017.
Residential enrollment has grown as well. The college now has 136 residential students, an increase of 22 compared with fall 2025. The rise means more students are choosing to live on campus as the overall student population continues to expand.
“I am especially thankful for the growth in our full-time and residential student populations because those students are at the heart of our campus community. This progress reflects the excellent work of our admissions team, coaches, faculty and staff, along with our continued commitment to providing a high-quality, Christ-centered college experience. We have a great team at CRC and a great community who supports the College in numerous ways,” Johnson said.
The fall enrollment includes students who are beginning their college experience as well as those transferring from other undergraduate programs. The incoming class features 61 first-time freshmen and 40 first-time undergraduate transfer students.
CRC’s student body also reaches beyond Arkansas. Students enrolled this fall come from 28 states, although Arkansas remains the largest source of enrollment, with 205 students from the state.
The college’s enrollment numbers also include students participating in partnerships that allow high school students to take college courses while still in secondary school. Crowley’s Ridge College is serving 93 concurrent high school students from Paragould and Greene County, West Memphis and Central Arkansas.
In addition, 27 UAMS students are being served through partnerships with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
The overall 313-student enrollment includes students pursuing a variety of educational paths. Of the total, 191 students are working toward associate or bachelor’s degrees.
Athletics also account for a significant part of campus life. The college reports that 153 of its enrolled students participate in athletics.
The continued rise in enrollment follows several years of gains at the private Christian college. Earlier enrollment growth had already pushed CRC past previous records, and the latest fall figures extend that momentum. In January, the college said its spring 2026 enrollment represented another record after 311 students enrolled.
For the college, the latest record is notable not only because of the overall number of students, but because growth is occurring in multiple areas at the same time. Full-time enrollment has reached a new peak, residential enrollment has increased, and the total headcount has continued to climb.
The presence of students from 28 states also gives the Paragould campus a broader reach, while the large number of Arkansas students shows the college continues to attract students from its home state.
Concurrent enrollment remains another important part of the student population. Through its partnerships, CRC is connecting with high school students in several areas of Arkansas and giving them access to college-level opportunities.
At the same time, the growth in residential students adds to the traditional campus experience, bringing more students to the Paragould campus to live, study and participate in college activities.
With 313 students now enrolled for fall 2026, Crowley’s Ridge College has once again moved beyond its previous enrollment mark. The school’s latest figures represent the seventh consecutive semester of headcount growth and the third consecutive record-setting semester.
For Johnson and the college community, the numbers are a sign of continued confidence from students and families. They also reflect the work of admissions staff, coaches, faculty and other employees as CRC continues building its student population.
The fall 2026 semester therefore begins with Crowley’s Ridge College in record territory, with its largest-ever total enrollment, its highest number of full-time students and a growing residential population.
