Feather River College (FRC) in Quincy is experiencing record enrollment levels, with 1,742 full-time students in the 2024/2025 academic year. This contrasts sharply with many other community colleges in California, which are grappling with declining enrollments as pandemic protections expire. The state has shifted its funding model to a Student Centered Funding Formula (SCFF), which considers enrollment, financial aid student population, and student success metrics.
The hold harmless program that temporarily protected colleges from budget cuts is coming to an end, posing a financial challenge for institutions like the Peralta Community College District, which faces an $11.8 million deficit and is considering layoffs and campus closures. However, FRC, having separated from Peralta in 1988, has successfully met and exceeded its enrollment targets, avoiding the fiscal difficulties other colleges are facing.
President Kevin Trutna attributes FRC’s success to its specialized programs in agriculture, environmental science, and equine studies, as well as effective recruitment strategies and personalized support for students. Additionally, the availability of dormitories provides a significant advantage in a region where housing is limited, further enhancing the college’s appeal.
