An influx of new and part-time students helped boost enrollment this spring at the 32 Minnesota State Colleges and Universities by 3.7 percent over a year ago, officials said today.

The state college and university system has 183,270 students, an increase of 6,503 students from last spring’s enrollment of 176,767. The number of new students was up eight percent from last spring, and part-time enrollment increased by five percent compared to a year ago.

“This larger-than-expected spring enrollment increase most likely reflects the current downturn in the economy,” said Chancellor James H. McCormick. “Enrollment typically goes up when the economy goes down. That’s why our colleges and universities are key to the state’s economic recovery.  Laid-off workers can retrain for new careers and employed individuals can enhance their knowledge and skills to help stay employed.”

According to the report, enrollment is up one percent over last year at Lake Superior College.

Learn more by reading the press release.

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