Community colleges report big enrollment increases

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) -- The state's 12 community colleges are busier than ever.

The Missouri Community College Association says every community college in the state had increased enrollment this spring. The overall average increase was 13.1 percent when compared with last spring's enrollment.

The association says 100,453 students are attending the state's community colleges this spring -- 11,638 more than in last spring.

The Springfield News-Leader reports that the largest percentage increase was at Crowder College in Neosho, whre enrollment was up 22.3 percent. Close behind was Moberly Area Community College, with an increase of 22.2 percent.

Association president Jim Kellerman says more people are attending the colleges because of difficult economic times.

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Information from: Springfield News-Leader, http://www.news-leader.com