Nadia Stimack
News Reporter

As our country suffers through economic downturn, and businesses crumble all over the country, it’s no surprise that many individuals are returning to college. Mesa State College is the fastest growing college in Colorado. The campus has seen continuous growth over the last few years and continues to expand with relocating the Maverick Pavilion, the new College Center and new dormitories. These additions accommodate the increasing enrollment.
MSC has seen its largest increase in student enrollment between 2009 to 2010. Even though there are some students who enroll for classes, and don’t end up graduating from Mesa State, the Institutional Research facility reports that 63 percent of students who started school in Fall of 2008 (mostly freshman), enrolled for classes again in 2009, and 66 percent who started in 2009 continued their education into 2010. These numbers pertain to only full time students seeking a Bachelor’s degree. The average age for full time students is between 18 and 25. Mesa State does, however have students as young as 17 years of age, all the way through 55 years and older. According to the admissions office, 2010-2011 enrollment is 8,121 students, which is a significant increase over last year’s enrollment of 6,969 students.
Statistics have shown that after students complete their sophomore year, they are more likely to continue with their education and graduate. With more funding becoming available through the government, the questions is: Are students returning to college due to the lack of jobs, the newly remodeled campus, courses and college provided amenities, or the abundance of government funding and financial assistance?
Junior Jackie Muniz said, “Well I think that it’s easier for kids my age in their early 20s to get financial aid though the school, but I also think that it’s because of the economy and you can’t get a good job without having a degree. I know people who have degrees that still can’t get a job, and you need to either have a four-year degree, or you have to have a master’s in order to get any kind of money to make a good living.”

nstimack@mesastate.edu