WBTV 3 News, Weather, Sports, and Traffic for Charlotte, NC-NC Community Colleges see record enrollment

NC Community Colleges see record enrollment

by David Whisenant - bio l email

SALISBURY, NC (WBTV) - Enrollment at many of North Carolina's community colleges is at or near record levels.

Many blame the slow economy for the large number of unemployed workers going back to school to train for new careers.

This year Rowan Cabarrus Community College in Salisbury and Concord is reporting its largest ever student population.

"About 7000 students," said Jeff Lowrance of RCCC.   "7070 head count, and that's 22% growth over fall 2008."

The increase in population has led to the school making accomodations to try and meet student needs.

"We've added some class sections, we're offering more online, we've increased the size of some of our classes," added Lowrance.

Lowrance also noted that the school is attracting a wide range of students, from high school graduates looking for a more affordable college education, to laid off workers looking for a new career field.