Official enrollment numbers indicate a slight increase over spring 2003 enrollment. According to the Feb. 4 spring census, student headcount is 19,369, compared with 19,193 in spring 2003. The 0.9 percent increase is the smallest increase in several years.

The official number of state-funded, full-year, full-time enrolled students is 6,634, 1.6 percent higher than in spring 2003.

The enrollment growth marks the ninth consecutive semester of increases. "What was unique this spring was that the overall headcount was about 1 percent higher when it has been between 4 and 8 percent higher in previous semesters," said Director of Admissions Bill Hathaway-Clark. "Continuing students have increased more than 7 percent each of the last five semesters, but increased 2 percent this spring," he added. "It appears that our continuing students are not re-enrolling at the same rate they have historically," he said. "A healthier Colorado economy may be luring students away from Metro and toward the area workforce."

Hathaway-Clark said the number of new transfer students declined this spring relative to a year ago. An informal survey of the metro area community colleges revealed enrollment increases of 4 to 7 percent, even when their applications were flat or down. "This would indicate that more students are choosing to stay longer at the community colleges rather than transferring to a four-year college," he said. "At some point, however, they will be ready to move on to complete their four-year degree. Our transfer counselors are working closely with each of the area community colleges to help students with a smooth transition to Metro when that time comes."

The 25-29 year age group had the most significant increase in enrollment over last spring, increasing 5.2 percent to 3,876. The number of students taking at least one online course increased 9 percent to 3,918.