Rockford College Enrollment Hits 10-Year High

ROCKFORD, Ill. (AP) - Rockford College enrollment hit a 10-year high this fall, and officials say a tough job market and enrollment increases at the city's community college could be behind the increase.

There are 810 full-time undergraduate students at the private, liberal arts college this year, up more than five percent.

Part-time enrollment is up 18 percent over last year, to 328 students.

Barrett Bell is vice president for enrollment management.

He tells the Rockford Register Star that the tough job market could be pushing more students to pursue both two- and four-year programs.

Community college enrollment has increased around the country during the recession. As more students finish two years at the city's Rock Valley community college and can't find jobs, Bell says they're continuing on at Rockford College.

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