Lone Star College System enrolled 100,023 students for fall 2026, crossing the 100,000 mark for the first time in its 54-year history.

The system announced the milestone Sunday, Sept. 13, in a news release reported by Community Impact. The figure represents a 2.81% jump from fall 2025, when 97,294 students were enrolled, and a 17.45% increase since fall 2022.

For Woodlands-area families, LSC-Montgomery is the closest campus. The college held its largest-ever commencement May 29, awarding more than 2,150 degrees and certifications to the Class of 2026. LSC-Montgomery President Dr. De' Reese Reid-Hart called the May 29 ceremony a celebration of "30 years of excellence" at the campus.

Payton Lucus, an LSC-Montgomery business student, said the campus fits around a working schedule. "It's close to home, and I enjoy the smaller class sizes and the flexible schedule," Lucus said in the system's announcement. "I can still work full-time while going to Lone Star College."

Lucus said she is applying to four-year universities and that her Lone Star advisor has helped her explore different paths.

The system said its students range from high schoolers taking dual credit courses to working parents, veterans and retirees. In-district tuition runs $111 per credit hour. Dual credit students pay $43 per credit hour under the $577.5 million budget trustees unanimously approved Aug. 6.

When Lone Star College opened in 1972, 613 students walked through the doors. The system now operates more than 20 locations and offers more than 200 degree and certification programs. It earned the 2025 Star Award from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for student success initiatives, according to Woodlands Online.

Growth has also stretched campus support services.

The Maverick Care Center at LSC-Montgomery handled 6,069 food visits and 756 clothing visits during the 2025-26 year, according to a June college news release. Food visits jumped roughly 79%. The Rotary Club of The Woodlands raised $2,800 at a community breakfast to support the center.

Garth Howard, the system's interim vice chancellor of student success, credited faculty and staff for the enrollment record, saying the milestone reflects the work of employees who help students reach their goals.

The LSCS Board of Trustees is scheduled to hold a special meeting at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16.