On the 12th day of classes, the official census or "count" day for colleges across the state, Weatherford College posted a record enrollment, not only for the current semester but for an all-time high since the College's inception. As of Sept. 8, total enrollment stood at 5,412, a 13 percent increase over last fall.

The majority - 3,723 - attend the Weatherford campus. Headcount at the Decatur Education Center is 421, a 16 percent increase. Mineral Wells Education Center posted a slight decrease with 81 students.

A huge increase of 95.1 percent was posted for online instruction only, with 599 students registered this fall, compared to the 307 last fall. Students registered for a mixture of online and face-to-face instruction numbered at 1,015, a 14.9 percent increase. Most online students take a mixture of classes on campus and online, so they don't have to drive to school every day and have more flexibility for work.

Other noteworthy enrollment statistics:

• At 3,224, females outnumber the male students by 1,036;
• 4,311 freshman; 1,101 sophomores;
• Enrollment by the top five high schools: Weatherford, 579; Granbury, 353; Springtown, 254; Aledo, 251, and Mineral Wells, 220, and
• Hispanic enrollment increased by 22.6 percent; African-American by 14.3 percent and Asian or Pacific Islander, up 37.5 percent.

"While these enrollment numbers are certainly impressive," said Dr. Kevin Eaton, WC interim president, "what is equally notable are the extraordinary faculty and staff at WC who are working to ensure that every student receives the quality learning experience our College mission promises. Everything at WC is student-centered, and I think these numbers this fall are a testament to that fact."

High numbers had been expected this fall, Eaton said, as a direct result of the downturn in the economy, reflecting a pattern that state college officials have witnessed every time the economy tanks.

"When the economy goes down and jobs are harder to find, students go back to college," said Eaton. "Community colleges are a great option during an economic downturn because they provide an avenue for students to acquire diverse skills and training that will make them stand out when interviewing in a tight job market."
"When times are tough, the need for community colleges is exponentially increased," Eaton said.