If you want to understand the state of California’s economy, looking at community college enrollment numbers can be revealing. Chris Ferguson, executive vice chancellor with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, explained that there is a pattern between economic conditions and enrollment. “When the economy is doing well, our enrollments are down, and when the economy is in a tough stretch or in a recession, we see our enrollments go up,” said Ferguson.
While official data on fall enrollment has not yet been released by the state, Ferguson noted that preliminary figures point to an increase. Some college presidents interviewed by CalMatters reported seeing more than 10% growth in student numbers compared to last fall. However, they also expressed concern that current state funding does not match this increased demand.
The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office oversees all 116 community colleges in the state.
