ESCANABA – Bay College is on track for another great year in terms of admissions.

“We are currently up 3% compared to this time last fall,” said Bay College Director of Admissions Jessica Beaver.

“3% doesn’t sound like much, but when you’re a small community college, it’s a huge number.”

At this time last year, Bay had 1,599 students enrolled. This year, the number increased by 44 enrollments to 1643.

The enrollment numbers include new, returning, dual-enrolled, part-time and full-time students.

Last fall semester, the total enrollment was over 2,100 students, and the college expects to see a similar number this semester, if not more.

“We actually were expecting a flat enrollment. So, we weren’t expecting anything to increase or anything to decrease. So, we were surprised that we do have a 3% increase right now,” Beaver explained.

She attributes the increase to State programs that help students fiscally, and flexible course scheduling at Bay.

“We’re offering quite a few more online classes. So that’s offered some flexibility and given students the opportunity to go to school if they have full-time jobs,” she said.

She noted that the number of students enrolling in online courses is on the rise.

August will be a determining factor regarding Bay’s enrollment, as Beaver explained that many students enroll in the month classes start.

“People tend to last minute decide that they want to try college or they want to go back to school. So, in August, we see a huge uptick in applications, and our enrollment definitely climbs,” Beaver explained.

This semester, healthcare, technology and social sciences are the most popular with enrolled students.

“Our Allied Health division is always kind of in the lead,” she said

The college also made changes to its EMT/paramedic curriculum, expanding courses and offering different paths for students to take within the field.

“We’re working with different communities to help them get those certifications quicker, but then also, of course, giving them the opportunity to earn an associate’s degree to be a paramedic with an associate’s degree if they want,” Beaver shared.

While not new, Beaver wanted to highlight the social work division, which has partnered with Northern Michigan University (NMU).

“It is fully online and students can start at Bay transfer seamlessly to NMU and go all the way through to get their masters if they’d like to go that far,” she said.

Bay College Director of Career and Workforce Development Amy Gibbs shared that the career services department is offering new programs to help students explore possible careers.

“These initiatives are designed to help students explore academic and career pathways, build essential employability skills, and connect with real-world learning experiences.

The services include academic and career exploration, employability skill-building workshops and work-based learning opportunities,” Gibbs said.

Academic and career exploration aims to help students “discover their interests, strengths, and career goals along with the education and training needed to obtain jobs in the field.”

The employability skill-building workshops provide resources on job search strategies, resume writing and interview techniques.

The work-based learning opportunities is a program partnering with local businesses that offers company tours, informational interviews, internships, cooperative education and other opportunities.

Bay College Vice President of Workforce Innovation & Strategic Partnerships Cindy Gallagher announced newly signed articulation agreements with local trade unions.

“New for Fall 2025, individuals who have successfully completed a Department of Labor (DOL) registered apprenticeship may now be eligible to receive college credits for their completed apprenticeship program. Additionally, students who are waiting to enter into a DOL-registered apprenticeship are encouraged to begin their college coursework this fall to support their timely completion of their associate degree,” Gibbs explained.

“Bay College and 10 local union trades entered into articulation agreements in June to provide students with a bridge between hands-on training and their college degree.”

At the Iron Mountain campus, the college now features a new welding facility, as well as an EMT facility.

For those on the fence about attending Bay, Beaver encourages them to stop by campus.

“Schedule a tour, call me in admissions; we don’t bite,” Beaver joked.

New student orientation is a month away, beginning on Friday, August 22, with the first day of classes on Monday, August 25.

For more information, visit Bay’s website at www.baycollege.edu.