New programs and solid enrollment mark PCC’s 2024-2025 school year

By Summer Kennard

Koror, Palau – Palau Community College (PCC) has seen an increase in enrollment when the new academic year begins on August 19, 2024. A total of 394 students are enrolled for the fall semester, a slight increase from the 387 students in the fall of 2023, an increase of 0.7%.

Liberal Arts remains the most popular major, with 58 students enrolled. In contrast, General Electronics has the lowest enrollment, with only three students enrolled.

PCC’s student population is primarily Palauan, with Palauans accounting for 86.04% of the total student population. Students also come from the Federated States of Micronesia (23.1%), the Republic of the Marshall Islands (2.28%), the Philippines (3.05%), Guam (0.5%), the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (0.5%), the Republic of China (0.5%), the United States (1.78%), Nigeria (0.25%), and Australia (0.25%).

New Bachelor’s Degree Programs Announced

A new Bachelor of Science degree program was also introduced this school year. The program, launched by President Patrick Tellei, allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree directly from PCC, a first for the institution. The program was made possible by President Tellei’s efforts to engage and negotiate with partner school board members outside of Palau.

Student Voice: Why choose PCC?

Several students shared why they chose PCC and their experiences at the college.

Nurse Mystica, 37, returned to PCC to further her education. “I am a nurse, but currently what I can do is very limited because I am not a registered nurse. I want to do more, so I went back to school to expand my knowledge and education. I want to become a registered nurse and help and work in my state of Sonorol,” she explained.

Donatina Elchuus, a sophomore in the liberal arts program, chose PCC to experience college life in a way that she could feel comfortable in. “I didn’t want to leave after high school; I wanted to start here and get my AS or AAS degree. My first year, I was very shy, but now I’m more involved in activities like ASPCC,” she said.

For Ngirchomlei Tewid, also a sophomore Arts student, staying in Palau was an easy decision. “I have no plans to leave Palau anytime soon. I want to finish my studies at PCC and work here. The community here is great,” he shared.

Moiwai Andreas, a first-year business accounting student, sees PCC as a stepping stone to college. “PCC is a starting point or introduction to college life, but it is not my only option. I also plan to stay in Palau to take care of my family,” she added.

Limei Ramon, a first-year liberal arts student, chose PCC because it’s close to home and affordable. “I don’t really have to worry about dorms or extra costs. I can experience college life while also being financially prepared to live independently,” she said.

With a diverse student body and the launch of new bachelor’s degree programs, PCC continues to be a dynamic institution that serves the educational needs of Palau and the wider Pacific region.

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