Tompkins Cortland Community College projects sharp enrollment gain, adopts cautious 2025–26 budget

Tompkins Cortland Community College officials told the Tompkins County Legislature's Budget, Capital and Personnel Committee on June 12 that fall 2025 headcount is currently projected to be up nearly 28% and described program, staffing and financial moves intended to sustain growth.

The college's president, Amy Kremenek, said the enrollment surge follows a strategic enrollment planning process and operational changes intended to simplify admissions and retain students. "Our phone is literally ringing off the hook," Kremenek said of interest generated by SUNY Reconnect, the new free community college program for adults. Dennis Panagitsis, TC3 chief financial officer, presented the board-approved 202526#x201326 operating budget and highlighted a smaller planned use of fund balance compared with the prior year.

The nut graf: TC3 officials say a combination of strategic enrollment planning, a redesigned front-door Panther Welcome Center, more targeted recruitment and state programs such as SUNY Reconnect drove the projected jump in fall enrollment; the college approved a budget that reduces the planned use of reserves while holding tuition increases to 1.7%, and Tompkins County legislators unanimously approved a resolution to adopt the 202526#x201326 TC3 operating budget (Resolution ID 13283).

Officials described how the college's revenue mix aligns…