Record Enrollment Numbers For Angelina College:
Fall 2009 Figures Eclipse 2003’s High

Angelina College is reporting record-breaking enrollment numbers for the 2009 Fall semester, according to AC president Dr. Larry Phillips.

Currently, AC’s enrollment figures forecast a total of over 5,300 students, substantially more than the previous record of 5,030 established in 2003. The numbers mark an increase of nearly 400 students – a full nine percent – over the Fall 2008 figures; more importantly for the college, the number of contact hours rose considerably, nearly 14 percent, meaning more students are enrolling full-time.

AC has surpassed the 5,000-student plateau just once in its 42 years of existence, with that peak occurring in 2003.

“The official number (of current students enrolled) won’t be released until Sept. 16th, but it appears our fall enrollment will stabilize at just over 5,300 students,” Phillips said. “To jump from eight or nine percent in student enrollment, and nearly 14 percent in contact hours, is remarkable.”

Phillips attributed the dramatic increase to at least three factors: the slumping economy, the amount of federal financial aid offered through various programs and the need for re-training for recently displaced workers.

“We’re seeing a state-wide trend among community colleges as a whole, and those institutions are also reporting higher enrollment figures” Phillips said. “Many students are choosing to stay closer to home where they can benefit from more affordable tuition costs. Others are here for re-training after experiencing layoffs from their previous employers. Still others are taking advantage of some of the new financial aid programs offered by the federal government; the increase in Pell Grant money has opened the door, so to speak, for numerous students. Over the first three days of classes, Pell Grants covered more than 80 percent of all textbooks purchased in our bookstore.

“We expected an increase in our enrollment, but nothing like this.”

Phillips said the entire faculty and staff at AC has been scrambling to accommodate the influx of students. Current faculty members are taking on more classes, and other staff members are taking on extra duties to ensure a smooth transition for incoming students.

“It’s taken a tremendous effort from our staff and faculty to ensure our new students get settled quickly and comfortably,” Phillips said. “But it’s exciting to look out across the camps and see the number of quality students ready to take on a new academic semester.”