BILLINGS – Nearly all schools in the Montana university system are reporting increased enrollments this fall.
The state Board of Regents was told that enrollment at the University of Montana, including the college of technology, could top 15,000, while Montana State reported increased enrollment in every category of student. Montana State-Billings could see enrollment top 5,000 for the first time and Flathead Valley Community College has 500 more students this fall than last.
Even Montana State-Northern, which has seen its enrollment drop over the past decade, may see a 4 percent increase this fall.
Officials with the Helena College of Technology told regents Wednesday that the faculty size hasn’t changed even though enrollment has increased 45 percent since 2005.
The recession is driving enrollment increases at most campuses, but UM President George Dennison says UM is seeing fewer out-of-state students, who pay a higher tuition rate.