For Immediate Release: September 15, 2006
Contact: Diana Alpert 248-1498

Mesa State College enrollment numbers for Fall 2006-07

Grand Junction, CO – Results of the Sept. 8 census at Mesa State College show the number of state-funded students is up 5.3% or 297 students. The total enrollment - 5,938 students - is down 1.3% or 77 students.

“I think we are, at least in part, fighting the economy right now.  There are so many decent paying jobs available that I think some young people are delaying their education,” said Tim Foster, president of Mesa State College.

“We appreciate how strong the job market is right now but the economy fluctuates and the best course of action is to pursue a college education.  Therefore, my best advice to those young people is to take at least one class whether on line, at night or at any of our numerous campuses in Fruita, Montrose or Grand Junction.  That way when the economy slows or changes direction you can be ready to adapt and pursue a different career.”  Foster said.

He added that enrollment in Fall 2005-06 also showed a slight dip but the college actually finished the year with a two percent increase in enrollment.

The census also showed:

• Students enrolling from Montrose County up 18.3 percent
• Students enrolling from Delta County up 36.5 percent
• Students enrolling from the 14-county region served by Mesa State up 6.1 percent
• Students from out of state increased 13 percent
• Number of Hispanic students up 11.5 percent

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