There
has been a steady increase in enrollment during the spring semesters
at El Paso Community College over the last five years.
According to the institutional research office at EPCC, the enrollment
for Spring 2007 is currently at 24,157 students, compared to Spring
2002 which was 17,949 spring enrollment.
The figures for Spring 2007 are preliminary and are subject to change.
Regardless, they demonstrate a significant trend in enrollment numbers,
said Dr. Carol Kay, director of institutional research.
Kay said that the increasing numbers could be the direct result of
several contributing factors. One of the factors mentioned was the
growing population of the El Paso area. Another reason could be because
the age group affected is also growing, she said.
In the 2005 school year, the average student age was 27 years and
the median was 21 years.
Kay’s also said that the dual credit courses offered have also
increased. Dual credit courses are completed by high school students
to attain college credit. The last contributing factor according to
Kay is that low tuition is favorable compared to a bigger university
such as University of Texas at El Paso.
One semester of 12 credit hours, which is full time enrollment at
resident tuition costs $666 at EPCC. The same semester would cost
$2,151 at UTEP.
Julie Bustamante, admissions manager for EPCC, agreed the dual credit
program is a reason for increasing numbers. She stated that last school
year admissions accepted over 2,800 applications from students for
dual credit. She also explained EPCC’s early college program
with the Socorro Independent School District is already an active
participant in the program.
The school district of Ysleta will be added to the program in the
fall of this year. The students have an opportunity to earn a two-year
degree by the time they graduate high school.
Bustamante said that EPCC does not only focus on gaining students,
but also on ensuring that students follow through with their degree
plans and are provided with adequate resources.
Every campus has specific resources that students are able to take
advantage of including libraries, labs and tutoring.
The Learning Community program has been recently introduced. This
program keeps the students in the same classes in several courses.
This enables the students to see a familiar face in each of their
classrooms. This also makes study groups easier to form. EPCC offers
small class rooms, an enjoyable atmosphere, affordable tuition, a
good support system and a seamless transition to UTEP.
According to Bustamante, all of these are possible explanations as
to why enrollment could be increasing.
