Record enrollment at MCC campuses highlights need for education in uncertain economy

Although several economists have declared the Great Recession over and the US in a state of recovery, jobs are still hard to find, and education is still the best opportunity for many students - returning and first-time alike - to be competitive in a changed job market.

MCC provides programs designed to move people into in-demand jobs, like law-enforcement, healthcare, veterinary technology and automotive technology, as well as versatile associate of arts or applied sciences degrees for transferring to four-year institutions. All campuses, MCC-Penn Valley, MCC-Blue River, MCC-Business and Technology, MCC-Maple Woods and MCC-Logview, have seen an enrollment increase of at least 5% for the Fall 2010 semester.

Maple Woods, with a headcount of 6,213, has seen a 7.3% rise in enrollment since last semester and has reached record enrollment, according to Dean of Student Development and Enrollment Services Shelli Allen.

A 5.5% increase at Longview, whose students now number of 8,000, has pushed enrollment to its highest level on that campus since the 1980's, according to registrar David Fritz.

Business and Technology has seen the highest increase in students among the campuses at 17.4%

Blue River and Penn Valley have seen increases of 10.3% and 5% respectively.

Overall, MCC has seen an 8% rise in student enrollment and a 7.8% increase in credit hours for the Fall 2010 semester.