KCTCS NEWS RELEASE -- for immediate release
Contact: Jackie Bondurant, (859) 246-3219
Fall enrollment in KCTCS colleges increases to 81,000
LEXINGTON, Ky. (September 17, 2004) - Fall enrollment in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) will increase slightly, topping 81,000 students.
KCTCS reported to the Council on Postsecondary Education an enrollment estimate of 81,127 students, up less than one percent from the fall 2003 enrollment of 80,695.
The enrollment estimate reported by KCTCS includes full and part-time students in credit programs who are already in class and those who will enroll in course sections that will open in the coming weeks. KCTCS will report final, official enrollment to CPE in early November.
For the first time, the enrollment total includes Lexington Community College, which was transferred to KCTCS on July 1, 2004.
In recent years, KCTCS annual enrollment increases have ranged from 6% to 21%. However, Michael B. McCall, KCTCS president, said an increase in this fall’s enrollment was not anticipated due to sustained reductions in state funds.
"Four state funding cuts in three years has limited our ability to provide all the programs and services needed by our students, as well as our clients in business and industry. Our colleges are to be commended for the quality programs and services they are offering given the available resources." McCall said.
In addition to the 81,127 credit students enrolled in KCTCS, approximately 200,000 Kentucky citizens access workforce training and continuing education programs through KCTCS colleges each year. KCTCS colleges also serve about 2,400 businesses and industries annually.
KCTCS colleges change lives by providing academic and technical associate degrees; diploma and certificate programs in occupational fields; pre-baccalaureate education; adult, continuing and developmental education; customized training for business and industry; and distance learning. For more information, visit www.kctcs.edu.