Slow economy leads to a boom at community colleges

Administrators say that when the economy dips, enrollment at community colleges typically surges. This fall, students are banking on these modest workhorses of California's higher education system to ease their way through the economic downturn, opting for the closer, cheaper alternatives to state universities. Older students, in particular, are seeking training at two-year colleges to escape declining industries.

"There's a sense of urgency in students to further their education at this time," said Jennifer Coto, chairwoman of the counseling department at Santiago Canyon College in Orange, which is seeing an estimated jump of 9% this fall, notably among returning adult students. "Professionals that are now part of struggling industries are utilizing this time for the next upsurge."

Real estate agent Jeannie Rothfuss decided to return to school for the first time in decades when the housing market soured. She chose the community college just over the hill from her Anaheim Hills home.

At $20 a unit, Santiago Canyon College was far more affordable than going to a state school or paying for online courses at $500 each. And she plans to transfer to Cal State Fullerton to earn a communications degree that she hopes will qualify her for a sales or marketing job.

"People weren't buying houses, people couldn't qualify for loans, said Rothfuss, 59, now in her second semester at Santiago Canyon College. "By going to school at least I know that by a certain month I will have accomplished something, whether it's a sale or credits from college."

Officials are estimating enrollment jumps of 6% to 15% this fall at California's 110 two-year campuses, where about 2.7 million students take courses.

Although the growth is uneven and some colleges could see no boosts, Erik Skinner, vice chancellor for fiscal policy for the California Community Colleges, said, "It's an early indication we're stepping into a period of robust growth, and districts are telling us high unemployment rates are a significant driver in this increase."

Bread-and-butter considerations also play into decisions to go to two-year colleges, with students viewing a school close to home as a way to save on gas and rent, as well as tuition. In addition, undocumented students who can't get financial aid also rely on community colleges.