Enrollment at Pine Technical College is on the rise

Pine Technical College is experiencing growth like no other year in the College’s history. Typical enrollment for a summer semester at PTC tops out at 200 students, and with 242 students enrolled this summer semester, the College experienced a dramatic increase of 21 percent. On top of the impressive leap in summer enrollment, PTC admissions staff is busy advising, admitting, testing, orienting and registering students for the fall 2009 semester at a near record-breaking pace.

"Enrollment has been increasing each year, but our most recent enrollment report shows a significant leap in numbers," Dean of Student Affairs Nancy Mach said. "The numbers are staggeringly good for the College, and we anticipate enrolling our largest class ever this fall semester," Mach added.

Growth may be due to current economic conditions since many new students indicated they have been laid off. Each semester, the College’s student body is comprised of a diverse mix of students from all walks of life, and since the onset of the recession, College administrators have noticed an increase in the amount of students who are "mid-career" looking at options to further their education, specialize or learn a new trade.

"The average age of a PTC student is 28," Director of Marketing and Admissions Dani Chandonnet said. "We admit younger students right out of high school, and we also admit many students who are mid-career looking to come back to school to learn additional skills or change careers completely," Chandonnet added.

College administrators have been responding to the increased demand in many ways; for example, new sections of popular classes are available, additional New Student Orientation sessions have been added to the calendar, more part-time and adjunct instructors have been hired and the position of Director of Financial Aid, formerly a .75 hour position, has become a full-time position.

"We are responding to the community’s demand," President Robert Musgrove said. "Unfortunately, many people in our community have time on their hands due to layoffs. But, they are using that time very wisely by going back to school so they will have the upper hand when the economy turns around," Musgrove added.

Classes for the fall, 2009 semester start Aug. 24, and the College is accepting applications through mid-August. Students applying should plan ahead to ensure all application materials including other college transcripts, financial aid paperwork and applicable test scores are on file and complete prior to the start of classes.