Kirkwood, Other Community Colleges, See Enrollment Down, Tuition Up

When the economy went down, enrollment at community colleges like Kirkwood Community College went up.

M.J. Dolan, executive director of the Iowa Association of Community College Trustees, told the Gazette now that he's seen signs of the economy improving, he's seen this year's enrollment at community colleges across Iowa drop, including Kirkwood.

An average of five percent drop in enrollment has been seen in community colleges state-wide. Last time we checked, Kirkwood estimated it would see the same percentage drop and increased tuition by 3.9 percent.

“We have to protect against the likelihood” of seeing less revenue, due to fewer students, said Kirkwood President Mick Starcevich. "This is just a safeguard for that."