Nebraska Indian Community College Announces Record Fall Enrollment, Expands EarlyCollege Access

Nebraska Indian Community College Announces Record Fall Enrollment, Expands EarlyCollege Access

Nearly half of NICC’s 823 students are high school students earning college credit at no cost

Macy, Nebraska, September 16, 2026: Nebraska Indian Community College enrolled a record 823 students during the Fall 2026 semester. Based on the College’s official September 8 census date, enrollment increased by 5.8% over Fall 2025.

Of the 823 students enrolled this fall, 592 identify as American Indian or Alaska Native, representing approximately 72% of total enrollment. NICC is also reaching students across a growing geographic area, with students representing 19 states.

High school dual enrollment continues to be an important part of NICC’s enrollment. This fall, 393 high school students are pursuing early-college opportunities through NICC, representing 47.8% of the College’s total enrollment. Together, these students are completing 1,913 college credit hours.

NICC is currently providing dual-enrollment opportunities to students from at least 13 area high schools. Its largest high school partnerships include Omaha Nation High School, with 115 students enrolled; Homer High School, with 77; Bancroft-Rosalie High School, with 72; Walthill High School, with 35; and Creighton High School, with 27.

Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Kristine Sudbeck commended the participating high schools for recognizing the value of allowing students to get an early start on their college education through NICC.

“Not only do they get to start college courses while they are still in high school, but they also get your commitment to save money (zero cost) while doing it. NICC has become an access point into higher education that some of these students may otherwise not have that is both affordable and accessible,” Sudbeck said.

“The growth we celebrate today belongs to all of us. With 823 students enrolled, strong dual enrollment participation, and students representing 19 states, your commitment to student success continues to strengthen our institution and the communities we serve. Thank you for your partnership and support,” NICC President Michael “Mike O.” Oltrogge, Ph.D., said.

Fall 2026 Enrollment at a Glance
• 823 unduplicated students
• 5,158 enrolled credit hours
• 429.8 estimated full-time equivalent enrollment
• 393 high school dual enrollment students
• 1,913 credit hours taken by high school students
• 592 American Indian or Alaska Native students
• Students representing 19 states
• Partnerships serving students from at least 13 area high schools

About Nebraska Indian Community College

Nebraska Indian Community College is a public, Tribal, land-grant institution chartered by the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska and the Santee Sioux Nation. Through its campuses in Macy, Santee and South Sioux City, Nebraska, NICC provides accessible and culturally grounded higher education that strengthens Tribal Nations, communities and individuals. The College offers associate degrees, certificates, workforce development opportunities and pathways for students to continue their education and careers.

For more information, visit www.thenicc.edu.