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Austin Community College Despite deep cuts in state funding, community college enrollment continues to soar throughout the nation.
The Austin American-Statesman reports that in Texas, for example, community college enrollment grew 12.2 percent from 2008 to 2009. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board expects the trend to continue along with demand for job training and low tuition. But the growth comes just as the state is cutting funding to address a multibillion-dollar shortfall in the state budget, which will likely result in higher tuition and property taxes.
'I think it's clear that tuition will have to be increased,' noted Stephen Kinsow, president of Austin Community College, who was quoted by the Statesman. He added that programs will likely need to be scaled back as well. 'We're being asked to do a great deal more with a great deal less. It's not a good recipe for success and for meeting the state's goal of ensuring a qualified work force.'
The story is similar in other parts of the country as well. The Arizona Republic reports that enrollment at the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges rose 9 percent this semester compared with spring 2010, making it the third year of increased spring enrollment. Over 107,000 students registered for classes this term, up from 98,300 last year.
But the enrollment boom is clearly putting a strain on the system. 'At some point, you can't sustain any more students,' explained Greg Rogers, vice president of administrative services and planning for Glendale Community College, who was quoted by the Arizona Republic. 'I can't imagine the community colleges putting an (enrollment) freeze on, but you have a practical freeze if you can't afford to hire another adjunct faculty member or staff member.'
The Arizona Republic also reports that according to Debra Thompson, vice chancellor of business services for the community colleges, deep cuts in state funding are expected next year. Tuition increases may very well follow as a result.
Similarly, the Clarion Ledger reports that Mississippi's 15 community colleges have an enrollment of 88,800 students this fall--a 53.6 percent increase since 2000. But the colleges will face a 3 percent state funding cut in fiscal year 2012.
'There is just terrific strain on our system,' noted Eric Clark, executive director of the State Board for Community and Junior Colleges, who was quoted by the Ledger. 'People generally come to a community college during a recession. Last school year, we had a 15 percent-plus enrollment increase and a 10 percent budget cut at the same time.'
