More head back to school Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 5 2009 04:51 AM By Rebecca LaFlure
Killeen Daily Herald

Enrollment at Texas colleges and universities hit a record high this fall, which some education officials say is tied to the slump in the U.S. economy.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board recently reported that statewide college and university enrollment rose 9 percent in the past year, and community colleges account for 75 percent of the increase.

Regional enrollment increased by 18,825 students, according to preliminary numbers by the THECB.

"It's a good time to go back to school," said Ron Brown, associate vice president for enrollment management at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton.

"Because of the economy… many students who put their education on hold to enter the workplace are now returning to school, or some students are coming back to get a different degree."

Two-year colleges experienced the most growth, according to the report. Their enrollment increased 14 percent in the past year – up by 85,544 students.

Central Texas College's enrollment jumped 17.3 percent this year. CTC spokeswoman Barbara Merlo said the bad economy steered more people toward community colleges and away from pricier, four-year universities.

"I think people have become more frugal," Merlo said. "When you're thinking more carefully about where you spend your money, it's a no-brainer to go to a community college because it's so much less expensive than a four-year."

Texas A&M University-Central Texas reported 15.7 percent more students than last fall.

Enrollment in private institutions increased by 2.8 percent. UMHB, a four-year, private university, grew by 67 students this fall – from 2,701 students to 2,768.

Brown said enrollment at graduate schools also is rising.

"We have a lot of students who graduate with a bachelor's and say, 'You know with how things are going on right now, I might as well stay in school and get my M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration.'"

Contact Rebecca LaFlure at rlaflure@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7548.