College enrollment remains on the rise

As students began the first day of 2010 classes Monday at Flathead Valley Community College, enrollment continues to grow at a record-setting pace for the spring semester.

“It’s looking very strong,” said Brad Eldredge, director of institutional research.

He said class enrollment was up 40 percent over this time last spring. The head count of students by this first day had nearly reached the final count for the fall semester, which broke all previous records.

Eldredge said displaced workers, some benefiting from the Trade Adjustment Assistance Act, again account for some of the surge.

“I’m sure the economy is one of the real drivers,” Eldredge said.

Demand for classes cycles up and down, following employment in the valley. Enrollment declined in the economic boom years of 2004, 2005 and 2006.

January 2007 marked the reversal of the trend with a single-digit enrollment gain. After the economy flatlined in fall 2008, spring enrollment in 2009 grew by almost 18 percent. For fall semester 2009, college enrollment soared 38 percent over a year earlier.

Registration continues through Feb. 5.

Students can add or drop classes through that date.