MSJC Enrollment Increases By 13% As Fall Semester Begins

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Mt. San Jacinto College welcomed 16,518 students on Monday, the first day of the 2023-24 academic year. The student count represents a 13 percent increase over the opening day of fall last year, according to MSJC officials.

MSJC has campuses in San Jacinto, Menifee, Temecula and Banning.

"The double-digit increase in enrollments is a testament to our innovative and efficient enrollment management strategies, but we also know students come to us because of MSJC's positive reputation in the communities we serve," said Roger Schultz, Ph.D., MSJC superintendent/president. "Residents know we have distinguished faculty with real-world experience, award-winning academic and career education programs, and vibrant student life on our beautiful campuses."

Campus officials for the comprehensive community college shared what some MSJC students had to say as classes got underway.

"I’m excited and nervous about this semester," said Robert Cervantes, a business administration major. "I took online classes at MSJC this summer and it was a little rough at first. I really liked my instructors; they helped make the coursework easier to manage. I’m looking forward to my in-person experience and enjoying the campus."

Katie Cohen, a resident of Temecula, arrived early at the Temecula Valley Campus. The first-time college student brought her adult daughters for support.

“It’s scary, I haven’t attended college before,” Cohen said.

Cohen had a successful career as a deputy coroner and decided to make a career change. With two daughters attending college and university, Cohen was inspired to enroll at MSJC with the goal of pursuing a degree in sociology, campus officials said.

“I’m excited about this new opportunity,” Cohen added.

Destin Taylor, 20, of San Jacinto, said he’s in his second year at MSJC working to earn a kinesiology degree. He praised the college for its student support services.

“I like all the different resources that are provided for students,” Taylor said. “The LRC (learning resource center), the library, and most of the professors are really helpful.”