Community college enrollment skyrockets

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The sagging economy is becoming a benefit for community colleges.

More and more students are seeking educations from colleges like Ivy Tech without drowning in debt.

Chrystal Boston will graduate in May with an associate’s degree from Ivy Tech Community College. At 29, the student body president is juggling school, work, and raising her three children alone.

"I needed to not only be able to support my children while I was getting an education, but I wanted to make sure I got a quality education so I could support them even further once I graduated," said Chrystal.

Enrollment at Ivy Tech Community College reached a record this year. The school's chancellor told 24-Hour News 8 nearly 20,000 students are registered for this spring semester. Ten years ago, enrollment for college credited classes was just over 5,600.

"I think as the state sees our value and see their proposition. We have affordability, transferability. You can get an Ivy Tech degree at many locations in the state. We're just that good deal that people are finally recognizing," said Chancellor Hank Dunn, Ivy Tech Community College.

Tuition for two semesters costs under $3,000 and there's the option to take classes at any of the 23 campuses across the state.

"Community college is an affordable education. We are the most reasonably priced higher educational deal in the state; $95 a credit. Our credits are transferring to the four year schools. So people are seeing this as a real value now," said Dr. Dunn.

"It's more affordable to come to Ivy Tech and not only that, but we have the passport program that links us to a lot of 4 year schools here in the state," said Chrystal.

Chrystal is taking advantage of that program. For two years, she saved on her tuition but come fall, she plans to attend IUPUI and major in business.