LINN  — Just days after being ranked the number one college in the country for the fifth straight year by WalletHub, State Technical College of Missouri has set another enrollment record. On Tuesday, Aug. 22, State Tech welcomed a record-breaking 2,300 students to campus. Over the last eight years, State Tech’s enrollment has grown by over 80%.

“The state of Missouri is making a transformational investment in the State Tech campus,” said State Tech President Dr. Shawn Strong. “We have 120,000 square feet of academic space under construction and another 100,000 square feet that will be renovated between now and 2025. This new space should support growing the campus to 3,000 students by 2030. We are proud of our growth and the ability to support Missouri’s workforce development needs.”

State Tech’s marks its sixth consecutive overall enrollment record and seventh year of record first-year enrollment. Dr. Strong is excited about the increase in enrollment and what it means to be the number one college in the country.

“When it comes to technical education, no one does it better than State Tech,” he said. “Employers know this, and students know if they want the best, they go to State Tech. The fact that we can continue to grow yet another year when the unemployment rate is so low is a testament to our reputation and outstanding value proposition. To remain the number one two-year school in the country at the same time supports what our team does year in and year out at State Tech.”

In addition to more educational space on campus, the college is adding recreational areas for students as well. The Top Tracer driving range has been open a year, and State Tech is a month away from a grand opening of the new multipurpose entertainment venue. The center will include a wide selection of amenities, including a pool, a 50-seat theater, state-of-the-art golf simulators, a restaurant, a pro shop, an outdoor gaming area, an e-sports gaming zone, duckpin bowling, and a 300-person event center that will overlook a nearby lake.    

“Students can receive an experience at State Tech typically reserved for larger four-year universities,” said Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Chris Bowser. “We believe you should be able to have a traditional college experience at a technical college. We really have the best of both worlds. A student can receive an elite education while having fun both inside and outside the classroom.”

State Tech held its annual PowerUp event on Monday, giving students a chance to finalize needs at the college and meet local vendors.