FSCC sees increased enrollment again

"There has been much more brand awareness, and that's due in large part to our admissions and public relations departments," Tatro said. "We've had success with our athletics and other programs ... we've been able to set and achieve some goals that are getting some attention. It's better in terms of selling the college."

College officials announced this week that a total of 1,922 students are enrolled in spring semester courses at FSCC, an increase of 149 students from spring 2009 numbers. Numbers that semester were up nearly 100 students from the spring 2008 semester.

The numbers represent a 9 percent increase in total headcount enrollment. College officials attribute the increased figures to improved student retention, more convenient class offerings, academic advising, and the economy. FSCC's convenient class scheduling, transferability and affordable tuition also continue to be an explanation for larger enrollment numbers, officials said.

"It's not any one program or any one effort," Tatro said. "It's a combination of several things that are bringing in value for our students."

Tatro added, "As the economy turned, it probably helped enrollment go up as well ... we've also done a great job of retaining students who enrolled for the first time in the fall. We need to retain those students from semester to semester."

This is the third consecutive year that enrollment has increased at FSCC. More than 2,000 students were enrolled at FSCC last fall, an increase of 278 students -- or 16 percent -- from the previous fall and the first time that enrollment at the college broke the 2,000 student mark.

Tatro said "managed growth" and "consistent, steady enrollment increases" each year are healthy for FSCC.

"We want to make sure those continue to remain manageable," he said.

Tatro has said that community colleges typically do well during economic downturns because many people are seeking an affordable way to train or re-train themselves for a particular job or career.

"The job market is better now in terms of opportunities," he said. "We've seen an increase in enrollment for our occupational programs, because within two to six years a person can actually go to work, students can make a good living. There are good jobs to be found in occupational programs."

Enrollment increases have helped stabilize the college's budget and make up for losses in state funding to higher education institutions across the state the last two years, Tatro said.

"It's helped offset these state decreases," he said. "The county mill levy has stayed stable but flat. State aid is down 13 percent the last two years. We've been able to offset some of those losses with enrollment increases."

FSCC has an enrollment of 896 freshmen, 405 sophomores, 229 special students, and 392 high school students this spring. There are 480 students from Bourbon County, 1,192 from other Kansas counties, 242 from out-of-state, and eight international students.