FORT WORTH, Texas — Effort drives achievement. Tarrant County College has proved that for 60 years — see the challenge, meet the challenge, make it an opportunity. Result: undeniable momentum and a bold vision for energized tomorrows.
Chancellor Elva LeBlanc, in her annual State of the College address to faculty and staff before the first day of fall classes, called 2025 a year of accomplishment that has positioned TCC to profoundly shape the next era of higher education.
“For six decades Tarrant County College has elevated lives and strengthened our community,” she said. “That legacy continues today, powered by the unstoppable we. With our Board of Trustees, the TCC Foundation and our business, education and community partners, we are rewriting what’s possible for an entire region and turning potential into reality for thousands of Tarrant County residents.”
TCC reached post-pandemic milestones in spring 2025 and fall 2024, with a record number of dual credit students completing 15 hours and some 8,000 Trailblazers earning certificates or associate degrees in powerhouse fields. Fall 2025 enrollment already nears 49,600 — just shy of TCC’s 50,000 goal — proof that the College is a choice destination for students seeking an affordable higher education that prepares them for success.
The latest independent study by the labor market analysis firm Lightcast shows that one in 28 Tarrant County residents takes a TCC class each year.
Impact and Investment
More from Lightcast: TCC’s economic impact through education, workforce development and community service is huge — $2.3 billion annually. And with their TCC education and training, graduates earn higher salaries and measurably boost the productivity of the businesses that employ them. TCC alumni contribute $1.8 billion a year in added income to the local economy, equivalent to hosting five Super Bowls.
Taxpayers benefit as well, with $505.3 million in added revenue and another $50.3 million in savings from reduced demand on social services, thanks to expanded higher education access.
TCC’s property tax rate remains one of the lowest in Tarrant County — 56th of the 58 major public taxing entities — holding the line at 11.228 cents per $100 in valuation. Zero-based budgeting requires every expense to be justified and to align with the College’s priorities, as outlined in the new multiyear strategic plan, Trailblazing Together: 2030. Crafted with input from the community, employees and students, the plan emphasizes investment in people and promises a positive return.
Partnerships and Programs
More than 1,200 businesses, some 70 universities and several independent school districts share TCC’s goals for greatness. A sampling:
- Toyota, Peterbilt and Autobahn are helping train the next generation of service technicians. A new Autobahn scholarship covers full tuition for 10 automotive tech students this fall.
- Partnerships with the Birdville and Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISDs increase the number of TCC’s Early College High Schools to 15. That’s in addition to 100 dual credit and 17 Pathways in Technology campuses.
- Aviation leaders Southwest Airlines, L3Harris, Gulfstream, Embraer, Bell Helicopter and Bombardier are recruiting straight from TCC classrooms.
- Since opening last fall at TCC’s Opportunity Center, New Heights High School has welcomed 745 adult learners, ages 18 to 50. Eligible students can earn a high school diploma and college certification at the same time. Tuition free.
- Teaming with the Texas Workforce Commission, TCC is customizing training for 600 employees at Cummings Electrical — one of the largest contractors in DFW.
- Veterans who graduate from TCC’s free Microelectronics and Nanomanufacturing program — built with Penn State and UT Arlington — are landing some of the best jobs in the state.
- First responders at more than 150 fire and law enforcement agencies are receiving true-to-career preparation at the College’s Public Safety Training Center. The center served almost 20,000 students last year.
- TCC students who earn an associate degree and have a 2.25 or higher GPA are guaranteed admission to Texas State University, thanks to a new transfer agreement.
- A new Alternative Teacher Certification and early childhood program are putting qualified educators in classrooms, ready to lead.
- This summer the College joined Cook Children’s, JPS Health Network and Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County to train Las Vegas Trail residents for healthcare careers. With national exam pass rates among the highest, TCC healthcare professionals often have job offers before they graduate.
- The Scott Simmons Endowed Scholarship is supporting aspiring construction management technology students.
- Four new certifications planned for spring will increase fast-track options to train film production crews to seven — perfectly timed as Texas invests $1.5 billion over next 10 years to supercharge its film industry.
Dr. LeBlanc: “These examples prove what we already know — we accomplish more together than any of us ever could alone. When TCC links arms with business, education and community partners, we multiply impact and accelerate progress. That’s the unstoppable we in action.”
Hear TCC Trailblazers share more achievements in the 2025 State of the College video at https://tccd.college/2025SOTC.
Celebrating 60 years of excellence and impact in 2025, Tarrant County College is one of the nation’s largest higher education institutions and boasts the second lowest tuition of Texas’ Top 10 community colleges. A comprehensive community college with six campuses in Tarrant County, TCC offers a range of opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds.