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North Idaho College enrollment rebounds but faces EWA reduction; college seeks nursing, welding capacity
Summary
North Idaho College told JFAC it posted roughly 15% enrollment increases in fall and spring after years of decline, but the EWA formula produces an FY2026 reduction (~$446,800). NIC asked for targeted hires in nursing and welding and asked to be held harmless on EWA while enrollment recovers.
Dr. Nick Swayne, president of North Idaho College, told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee that NIC’s recent enrollment turnaround — roughly 15% growth in fall and another 15% in spring — has strained program capacity and that the state’s enrollment workload adjustment formula produced a reduction under current calculations.
Why it matters: NIC said the trailing-average EWA (enrollment workload adjustment) calculation is understating current growth and is producing a significant ongoing reduction ($446,800 in FY2026, per the college's budget book) even as enrollment expands. NIC asked for targeted funding to add faculty in nursing and welding to address large wait lists and workforce needs.
Analyst Kevin Campbell reviewed NIC’s five-year appropriation history and noted that NIC typically…
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