SUMMER ENROLLMENT INCREASE EXPERIENCED AT IOWA LAKES

Enrollment for summer classes at Iowa Lakes Community College has increased and the downturn in the economy appears to be fueling the rise.  

The grand total for enrollment, which includes all programs at Iowa Lakes Community College, is 2,073 students – up 8.8 percent when compared with one year ago. 

The biggest increases were seen in the general studies area (Arts & Sciences course work) as well as Career Option program which lead to Associate in Science degrees.  Both areas were up more than 36 percent.

“Our staff members here at the college have done a good job of helping many laid-off employees find a new direction for their life,” said Judy Cook, Executive Dean of Instruction and Development.  “Many have seen their unfortunate news as an opportunity to advance their skills and interests before re-entering the work force.” 

Julie Carlson, Dean of Students, agreed and added that it’s an improved classroom experience with a wider range of ages of students.

“Part of our mission as a college is to serve the educational and retraining needs of dislocated workers,” Carlson said.  “These individuals bring a wealth of real-life experience to the classroom, enhancing their learning and that of others in class.”

And, the price of a college education is reasonable at Iowa Lakes.

“When compared with private colleges, we can save students about $19,000 a year,” Carlson said.  “We can also save students about $4,700 a year when compared with public universities.”

In addition to the student head count total increasing, summer students at Iowa Lakes are taking more credit hours when compared with last year at this time – up nearly 17.7 percent.

Iowa Lakes offers more than 100 areas of study at its campuses in Algona, Emmetsburg, Estherville, Spencer and Spirit Lake.  In addition, the college provides training and retraining to employees of area business and industry as well as continuing education courses.