Johnson College Sets Eighth Consecutive Enrollment Record as College Continues to Grow

As of Aug. 31, the first day of the 2026-27 academic year, 743 students are enrolled across Johnson College’s Scranton and Hazleton campuses, a 7% increase over the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year. This marks the College’s eighth consecutive year of record enrollment.

The continued growth comes as Johnson College expands its academic offerings, facilities and access to career-focused education throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.

This year’s incoming class includes more than 330 first-year students and more than 100 high school students enrolled in the College’s Industry Fast Track early college program.

The continued enrollment growth comes at a time when colleges and universities across the country are facing a shrinking pipeline of traditional college-age students, making Johnson College’s sustained growth particularly notable.

“Our continued enrollment growth demonstrates the value students and families place on career-focused education and the opportunities it can provide,” said Bill Burke, vice president of enrollment and student affairs. “Students are looking for programs that prepare them for careers where their skills are in demand, and Johnson College continues to expand those opportunities to meet the needs of both students and employers.”

The College’s Hazleton campus experienced a 35% enrollment increase over last year, including its largest incoming classes to date in HVAC and Electrical Construction Technology. The growth comes as Johnson College expands the programs and opportunities available at the Hazleton campus.

For the 2026-27 academic year, Johnson College introduced six new academic offerings. Computer Information Technology added three new concentrations: Cybersecurity, Scripting and Application Development, and Network Management. Mechatronics Technology added two new concentrations: Automation and Robotics and Industrial Mechanics. The College also introduced a new Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology with Plumbing option. For the first time, the two new Mechatronics Technology concentrations and the HVAC with Plumbing option are being offered at the Hazleton campus.

The new offerings are contributing to significant enrollment growth across several areas. Enrollment in HVAC programs increased 15%, including both the traditional HVAC option and the new HVAC with Plumbing option. Enrollment in Mechatronics Technology more than doubled, combining the new Automation and Robotics and Industrial Mechanics concentrations. Computer Information Technology enrollment increased 50% following the addition of its three new concentrations.

“We’re seeing tremendous growth at our Hazleton campus, and that growth reflects the demand for technical education in the communities we serve,” Burke said. “By bringing additional programs to Hazleton, we’re giving more students access to career opportunities close to home while responding to the workforce needs of employers throughout the region.”

Building on the new HVAC with Plumbing option, Johnson College will further expand its plumbing education offerings in spring 2027 with the launch of a one-year Plumbing Academic Certificate program at both the Scranton and Hazleton campuses.

Johnson College also expanded its physical footprint this year by adding the new Transportation Technology Center on Wyoming Avenue in downtown Scranton. The facility now houses lab space for the College’s Diesel Truck Technology, Diesel Preventative Maintenance Technology and Automotive Technology programs, providing students with expanded space for technical training.

Other core programs, including Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology, Aviation Technology, Welding, Veterinary Nursing and Radiologic Technology, also continued to show strong enrollment.

“These enrollment numbers are another indication that students are responding to the opportunities available at Johnson College,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO. “Our growth is allowing us to expand our programs, invest in new facilities and bring more career-focused education to students across Northeastern Pennsylvania. Our strong relationships with industry partners are an important part of that growth. By working directly with employers, we can ensure our programs teach the technical skills, knowledge and soft skills students need to succeed in today’s workforce. That connection between education and industry is at the heart of what we do at Johnson College.”