Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana is reporting record-breaking enrollment, both locally and statewide.
With classes starting Monday, the statewide enrollment is 86,130 students, up 11.8 percent compared to the first day of classes for the fall 2007 semester, according to a press release from the college.
The Kokomo region, which includes campuses in Kokomo, Logansport, Peru and Wabash, increased by 10.9 percent, or 412 more students, with first-day enrollment of 4,180 students, according to David Gray, media relations coordinator.
He said in addition to having more students, there are also more full-time students, with that number up by 16.7 percent for a record high of 2,362 full-time students.
Statewide, the full-time equivalent enrollment increased by 12 percent.
Dr. Pamela Lewis, vice-chancellor for academic affairs for the Kokomo region, said she thinks there are several reasons for the increased enrollment.
“For one, I think our affordability is becoming a greater factor for people,” she said, adding that the flexibility of times and days of classes also attracts students, along with easier ability to transfer credits to four-year colleges after starting at Ivy Tech.
Small class sizes also help, she said.
“We’re able to give some personal attention because of our class size limits,” she said.
Lewis said, though, some classes are larger this semester because of the increased enrollment.
“We’re bulging. We’re in our own buildings, we haven’t had to go outside, but we’re pretty full. Class sizes are larger than typical, but we have set class size rules. We may have a couple of large lecture sections, but that’s not the rule.”
Lewis said the larger number of full-time equivalent students indicates to her a larger number of traditional-aged college students.
“When that number is high, more students are taking a full load. Those are usually traditional students. They look younger to me in the hallways ... This is an affordable option to many families.”
Lewis said unlike in the past, she cannot attribute large increases just to the nursing programs.
“For the first time in maybe a couple of years, it’s almost across the board. We certainly know our nursing program has attracted a lot of students. I’ve been watching all the programs across the board this fall, and we’re seeing growth in almost every area.”
Danielle Rush may be reached at (765) 454-8585 or via e-mail at danielle.rush@kokomotribune.com
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