August 26, 2025
New and returning students began the first classes of the fall semester Monday at Laurel Ridge. Enrollment is up this fall after a successful summer semester, which saw a 9-percent enrollment bump.
“It is great to feel the excitement as we welcome students back onto campus,” said Dr. Johanna Weiss, vice president of academic and student affairs at the college. “Many students took classes online over the summer, but we have large numbers of new and returning students taking on-campus classes this fall. Our enrollments at all of our campuses are trending upward. We have focused on offering packaged schedules of classes at our Fauquier Campus for students who are interested in General Studies, Science, Engineering, Health Sciences, Business Administration, and Information Technology/Cybersecurity.”
Dr. Weiss continued that new programs added to the curriculum this fall include career studies certificates in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Immersive Technology and Drone Technologies, as well as an applied associate degree in Criminal Justice.
There are 3,381 students enrolled in credit classes at Laurel Ridge, a 4-percent increase over last year. The Middletown Campus’s enrollment is up 3 percent to 2,360; the Fauquier Campus has experienced a 6-percent increase with 1,021 students; and the Luray-Page County Center has the largest jump – 11 percent – with 73 students enrolled. These figures do not include the numerous students dual enrolled in classes that earn them both high school and Laurel Ridge credits.
“The first day of school is exciting, it is our ‘new year,’” said Dr. Caroline Wood, associate vice president of student services and academic support. “We had over 500 students, parents, and supporters attend our New Student Welcome Days this past week. Our latest numbers show us up enrollment-wise, and we are ready to greet the crowds with enthusiasm, care, and support. We are rolling out the red carpet with Week of Welcome activities, and look forward to seeing our students thrive this semester.”
With Laurel Ridge offering credit classes in sessions lasting five weeks, seven weeks, 12 weeks and 14 weeks, there is still time to register for fall classes. Visit laurelridge.edu/get-started to learn more.
Founded in 1970, Laurel Ridge Community College is a multi-campus public institution of higher education. With three locations — Middletown, Warrenton, and Luray-Page County — the College serves eight localities in the Shenandoah Valley and northern Piedmont regions. The localities are the counties of Clarke, Fauquier, Frederick, Page, Rappahannock, Shenandoah and Warren and the city of Winchester. Laurel Ridge offers more than 75 associate degree and certificate programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Laurel Ridge also serves the business community by offering workforce preparation programs for employees and employers. Laurel Ridge serves more than 9,000 unduplicated credit students and more than 11,000 individuals in professional development and business and industry courses annually.
Laurel Ridge Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Laurel Ridge Community College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Laurel Ridge Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Laurel Ridge Community College is an equal opportunity institution providing educational and employment opportunities, programs, services, and activities. Laurel Ridge shall promote and maintain equal employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age (except when age is a bona fide occupational qualification), status as a veteran, national origin, or other non-merit factors. Laurel Ridge also prohibits sexual misconduct including sexual violence or harassment. Inquiries may be directed to the Associate Vice President, Human Resources, [email protected], 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA 22645, 540-868-7226.
Laurel Ridge Community College was known as Lord Fairfax Community College until June 2022. For consistency purposes, the college will be referenced as Laurel Ridge going forward.