CLC count is down

The preliminary enrollment estimate at Central Lakes College for the first seven days of school is down 7.5 percent from the same time period last year.

As of Wednesday, CLC counted 1,974 full-time students and 933 part-time students for a total of 2,907. Last year at this time there were 3,142 students.

CLC President Joseph Birmingham said it is hard to determine what the preliminary enrollment numbers mean at this time. He said they will not have the first official enrollment numbers until next week.

"I could not say if there will be an increase or decrease (in enrollment)," said Birmingham. "Students have continued to enroll at CLC this week, but there are people dropping classes too. It is hard to conclude what the numbers are and why we may see a decrease in enrollment.

"Once we have the more accurate numbers, then we can ask questions on why and do some analysis on why enrollment increased or decreased in each program."

Steve Waller, CLC public information specialist, said enrollment overall is down 4 percent from last year at schools in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.

Enrollment estimates were not available earlier this week for two area high schools. The Crosby-Ironton School District reported 1,394 students for the first week of school. The Little Falls School District reported 2,875 students.