For immediate release September 13, 2010

Media contact: Hope H. Davis 443-840-5053

CCBC enrollment hits record high
More than 26,000 degree and transfer students enrolled for fall semester

Baltimore, Md. – Enrollment at the Community College of Baltimore County continues to grow with the number of credit students enrolled in the college’s degree and transfer programs reaching an all-time high of 26,735 for the fall. This is a ten percent increase over fall 2009.

“If our numbers continue to hold, this will be the fourth consecutive year of substantial enrollment increase in credit enrollment growth and the third year with double-digit growth,” said CCBC President Sandra Kurtinitis. “Although the economy is sure to play a role in our continued growth, I dare say there is so much more that comes into play. CCBC faculty and staff have found creative ways to support and engage our students; we continue to place a premium on quality programming; and, more and more people are gaining an appreciation for how CCBC can meet everyone's needs.”

Enrollment at each of the campuses is up as well. Enrollment at the Catonsville campus increased by 13 percent and both the Dundalk and Essex campuses experienced a nine percent increase.

Community colleges across the state are experiencing enrollment increases, but few have grown double-digit percentages like CCBC. In 2007 fall credit enrollment was at 19,426 compared to the 26,735 currently enrolled. Overall, CCBC now serves nearly 74,000 students each year; 40,000 students take non-credit courses for career training and life enrichment.

“Managing such growth has its challenges, but it is a good problem to have,” said President Kurtinitis. “We’re implementing shuttles, creating new classrooms, and establishing new parking lots and parking patterns. Prime time classes are full so we have developed a robust schedule of class offerings at non-peak hours. The whole college has collaborated to help do what we do best -- adapting to meet the needs of anyone who seeks a quality, affordable education.”

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About CCBC (www.ccbcmd.edu)
CCBC offers hundreds of programs and thousands of courses helping people of all ages, backgrounds and interests earn degrees, transfer, launch or advance careers, and prepare for in-demand jobs. Providing accessible, affordable and high quality education since 1957, CCBC educates more than 70,000 students each year, including half of all Baltimore County residents attending college in Maryland as undergraduates. Committed to student success and the development of lifelong learners who strengthen our regional workforce and enrich our community, CCBC has also been selected to participate in Achieving the Dream, a national student success initiative.

CCBC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, 2nd Floor West, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (267-284-5000). The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

CCBC. The incredible value of education.