Enrollment Numbers Up For Columbia College

The number of students enrolled at Columbia College this semester is up —slightly more than six percent. Columbia spokesman Doug Lau said the numbers get more specific, and he says a trend is emerging.

“If we were to look at our full-time students, we´re up twelve percent. Part-time students are down ten percent. My read on that is that what we´re getting is more committed students, and a decline in casual, part-time students,” Lau said.

Lau added basic courses like English and Chemistry have long waiting lists, and many elective classes have become fee-based, non-credit classes. But now, some folks worry that tuition costs will also be going up.

“Our present fees are 18 bucks, they were 11 dollars. Governor Schwarznegger´s proposed budget is to move us up to 26 dollars a unit.”

But there is a bright side: Lau says Columbia College is still one of the most inexpensive schools in the nation, and since enrollment is up, Columbia´s share of state money should be on the rise, as well.

Our present fees are 18 bucks, they were 11 dollars. Governor Schwarznegger´s proposed budget is to move us up to 26 dollars a unit