OTC enrollment growth outpaces state's community colleges

Missouri's community colleges are experiencing double-digit percentage growth in enrollment this summer, and Ozarks Technical Community College is no exception.

Enrollment numbers at the state's 12 community college systems this summer have grown an average of 14.5 percent compared to last summer, according to the Missouri Community College Association. That's nearly three times the average overall increase in the spring, when enrollment was up 5.9 percent from spring 2008.

Outpacing the state average is OTC, which reports 20.3 percent growth in enrollment this summer, with 3,901 students.

The largest percentage increase was 32 percent growth at Moberly Area Community College. St. Louis Community College remains the largest community college with 13,658 students this summer.

There are 41,701 students at Missouri's community colleges this summer, according to the MCCA.

"The incredible growth in enrollment across the state is directly related to today's difficult job market and tight financial situation," MCCA President and CEO Jim Kellerman said in a news release. "Community colleges offer the short-term training, certificate options and two-year degrees that will give Missourians what they need not only to improve their ability to find a job but to improve their lives."