ORANGE, TX – Lamar State College Orange has surpassed 8,000 students for the first time in its history, reaching a new all-time enrollment record for Fall 2026.
LSCO's preliminary Fall 2026 academic enrollment has exceeded 8,000 students, representing approximately a 40% increase over Fall 2025, when the College enrolled a then-record 5,841 students. The milestone continues a period of sustained growth that has transformed the size and reach of the institution.
"8,000 is so much more than a number," said Dr. Wendy Elmore, President of Lamar State College Orange. "Each of those students represent a life being changed through higher education. They are students preparing for careers, building better futures for their families and creating opportunities that will impact generations. This remarkable milestone belongs to them and to the amazing faculty and staff who work every day to support our students’ success."
The Fall 2026 record marks the latest step in a period of sustained enrollment growth at LSCO. In Fall 2021, the College enrolled 2,353 students. Based on current Fall 2026 enrollment, LSCO has grown by approximately 250% in five years, with enrollment now roughly three and a half times what it was in 2021.
Growth has occurred across multiple areas of the College, with some of the most significant increases coming through LSCO's Texas State University Gateway Partnership and expanding dual credit enrollment. Enrollment in the Gateway Partnership has grown to more than 400 students this fall, providing students in San Marcos with another pathway to begin their college education through LSCO while working toward their long-term academic goals.
LSCO has also continued to expand access through dual credit partnerships with school districts throughout the region, growth at the Polk County Center in Livingston, and statewide educational partnerships that allow the College to serve students beyond its Orange campus.
"Access is at the heart of what we do," said Kristen Stovall, Assistant Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services. "Our students come to LSCO through many different pathways. They may be graduating from high school, earning college credit while they are still in high school, beginning their education closer to home or taking advantage of one of our growing partnerships. Our responsibility is to meet students where they are and help create a clear path from where they begin to where they want to go."
The enrollment milestone reflects academic credit enrollments across Lamar State College Orange but does not account for students enrolled through the College’s Workforce and Continuing Education programs. These short-term credential programs have seen a nearly 300% growth over last year as well.
"This kind of growth doesn't happen because of one program, one partnership or one person," Elmore added. "It happens because an entire college believes in opening doors for students. Our faculty and staff have embraced that mission, and more than 8,000 students are now walking through those doors."
While Fall 2026 enrollment remains fluid as additional students enroll in Fall II courses, final enrollment figures will be reported following official certification later this semester. It’s not too late to join LSCO’s record-breaking student body. Fall II courses begin October 26.
LSCO