Record-breaking TJC enrollment adds to centennial celebration
East Texas — Just in time to celebrate its 100th anniversary, TJC welcomes its largest fall student enrollment, breaking its previous fall record by nearly 3% with 13,147 total students.
The number of students attending is monumental, but so is TJC’s sustained commitment to providing high-quality, affordable education and training opportunities for East Texas and beyond. A century of premier higher education in the region is something TJC’s founding leaders could have only dreamed of in 1926.
On Sept. 17, 1926, the College officially opened with 93 students and nine faculty. During that time Tyler had not yet hit 17,000 residents, yet locals saw a need for higher education close to home. The community addressed that gap in learning and quickly put plans in motion to create TJC.
“We can proudly celebrate that our communities have leaders who strategically work together to create access and to promote success through education, and this historic enrollment is a powerful reflection of that synergy,” said Dr. Juan E. Mejia, TJC president and CEO. “Our students range in age from 13 to 88. They come to us from different backgrounds, at different stages of life, and with different goals — some preparing to transfer to a university, some building skills for a new career, and others pursuing an education they may have once thought was out of reach. At TJC they find world-class academic and workforce programs, a comprehensive collegiate experience and, most importantly, people who genuinely care about their success.”
Fall 2026 Enrollment Highlights:
- TJC remains deeply rooted in East Texas: Nearly 65% of TJC students come from Smith, Cherokee, Van Zandt, and Wood counties, reflecting the College’s strong connection to the communities it serves.
- More students stay the course: TJC welcomed a record number of continuing students this fall, an increase of 3.5% from last year. The growth shows that more students want to complete their education and understand the life-changing value of a college degree or workforce credential.
- Adult learners increasingly choose TJC: Enrollment among students age 25 and older increased by approximately 2% this fall. This highlights a continued demand for accessible pathways to education, career advancement, and workforce credentials.
- High-growth fields remain in demand: Both TJC West, home to the College’s skilled trades programs, and the School of Nursing and Health Sciences reached record enrollment this fall — a nearly 10% increase from last year. The increase reflects strong student interest in preparing themselves for high-demand careers.
- Students find a personalized college experience: With an average class size of 18 students, TJC provides opportunities for meaningful faculty interaction and individualized support.
“As we celebrate 100 years of TJC, I believe our future has never been brighter,” Dr. Mejia added. “The success of East Texas and this College has always been deeply connected. When our students thrive, our communities thrive. There has never been a better time to be a student at TJC or a more exciting time for our College and our region.”
TJC offers a wide variety of degree and certificate programs, workforce, and continuing education courses alongside a comprehensive collegiate experience. The College provides the services and supports students need to thrive both in and out of the classroom. Access to those programs is made convenient by offering coursework at locations in Tyler, Lindale, Jacksonville, and Rusk, as well as online and hybrid options.
About TJC
Tyler Junior College is a comprehensive public community college located in East Texas. It was founded in 1926 and is celebrating its 100th anniversary, offering a wide range of programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, certificates, and workforce or vocational training. TJC offers nearly 140 programs of study in areas including arts, sciences, health professions, business, technology and trades, and it helps both traditional students and adult learners.
TJC serves almost 21,000 students annually across its credit and non-credit programs, with more than 19,000 in credit programs and nearly 4,000 in continuing studies. TJC strives to provide an outstanding educational experience that prepares students for success in their careers and communities.
Throughout its 145-acre central campus and multiple sites, TJC features rigorous academics, 70 national athletic championships, stellar fine and performing arts programs, modern residential facilities, along with organizations and clubs that promote student engagement and diversity.
For more information visit: TJC.edu.