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PLATTSBURGH — The economy is tanking, but Clinton Community College's enrollment continues to rise.

"Early projections are we will be up several percent," CCC President John Jablonski said. "It's hard to pin down, because we have more than two months to go, but we should see a pretty notable increase for the fall.

"I think that is a reflection of the economy and people looking to upgrade their job skills."

RECESSION IMPACT
People across the country — some laid off, some looking for new skills — are swarming community colleges, which report significant enrollment increases.

Roughly 4 million Americans have lost their jobs since the recession started. Many see community colleges as a cost-effective way to bolster the resume.

Tuition at Clinton Community College, for example, is $3,540 per academic year.

Many public four-year colleges are reporting enrollment increases, too, even as the recession forces them to raise prices, lessen course offerings and institute other budget cuts, such as layoffs, pay curtailment and stalled construction.

DEPOSITS RISE
"SUNY Plattsburgh is 150 deposits over goal for fall 2009," said Carrie Woodward, assistant director for freshmen admissions. "Our applications didn't increase, but the percentage of students who accepted our offer of admission did."

The school has 1,138 deposits, compared to its goal of 975 freshmen for the fall.

"We always go somewhat over goal because there is a summer melt because certain students have a change of plans," Woodward said.

Roughly 70 percent of prospective college students will alter their plans this school year. A total of 53 percent are considering a less expensive college, according to the survey conducted by Longmire & Co., which drew responses from 1,030 households representing an array of incomes in all 50 states.

Plattsburgh State officials believe the economy resulted in their increase in deposits.

"When families looked at financial-aid packages and saw what the costs would be, they decided on state schools over private schools," Woodward said.

It costs in-state, off-campus students $7,100 before fees to attend Plattsburgh State for a year. In-state, on-campus students pay $14,790 per year.

A report published by Art & Science Group and The College Board found that 41 percent of high-school seniors surveyed will likely attend a public university or school closer to home. About 15 percent were considering a community college.

'FEELING THE EFFECTS'
An array of reports indicate the recession is hurting enrollment at private universities more than public state colleges.

"I definitely think we are feeling the effects of the recession," said Kathy Fitzgerald, vice president for enrollment management at Paul Smith's College.

To entice students to commit to the private college and not change their minds, officials increased the deposit fee from $100 to $250.

Starting last fall, officials ensured families understood the cost of Paul Smith's and immediately began the financial-aid process.

FLAT IS UP
Currently, Paul Smith's is tracking to its goal for returning and new students.

Fitzgerald said "flat is the new up" for private colleges in terms of enrollment. The school budgeted for 20 fewer students this fall.

Paul Smith's is already recruiting for fall 2010, she said, and inquiries are up 40 percent.

The college increased the size of scholarships and need-based grant money it makes available and went from a 10-month to a 12-month payment plan.

"Some families may think a private education is far out of reach for them, but we have found many occasions where public universities cost very close to privates, after scholarships and grants," Fitzgerald said.

"Yet some families are only sending information to state universities. We are asking them to provide us with expected family contribution, and we can call them in a couple hours to tell them what their package looks like. They may be surprised that a private education is more in reach than they think."

Paul Smith's charges $19,200, before room and board and other fees, per academic year. A room, depending on the type, costs $4,700 to $7,080, while board runs $4,220.

NCCC NUMBERS UP
Ed Trathen believes the rising cost of education remains a good price, as evidenced by increasing numbers on North Country Community College's campuses.

Students accepted at the Ticonderoga campus doubled over the past year to 235, noted the vice president for enrollment and student services, and there's still time in the enrollment cycle.

Enrollment in Malone increased from 366 to 433 and in Saranac Lake from 1,046 to 1,177.

"A variety of factors have contributed to our growth during a time when the regional population as declined," Trathen said.

NCCC, which charges $3,490 per year for in-state students, has seen a dramatic increase in enrollment of traditional students. Many are opting to earn a two-year degree first to save money, and, according to Trathen, have more employment options after four years of college and two degrees.

At his school, retraining is not a driving force.

"With no manufacturing in the Adirondack Park, the recession has not had as dramatic an impact on the regional economy," Trathen said.

"Consider that most jobs in the area are in the fields of health/human services, service industry or government related, we are insulated to a degree from national economic issues."

E-mail Stephen Bartlett at: sbartlett@pressrepublican.com