College officials are reporting more than 1,700 credit-hour students at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College — a 5 percent increase in student enrollment numbers for the Fall 2008 semester.

Wayne Bennett, LBWCC’s interim president, credits the increase to the low tuition costs at the college.

“This is the fourth straight year tuition at LBW has remained steady, even in the face of significant budget cuts,” he said. “Our tuition is less than half that of Alabama’s public universities. Transfer students, by attending LBWCC their freshman and sophomore years, can trim thousands of dollars off their student costs by living and working at home.

“So, I’m not surprised at this record enrollment,” he said. “This is what we planned for, worked for and expected. Although this increase in enrollment is attributable to many factors, I must give considerable credit to our Director of Recruitment, Heather Owen, and to our talented and dedicated Student Services professionals who work very hard every day to make our programs accessible and affordable for thousands of students each year. ”

Bennett said students are continually taking advantage of a variety of programs now offered at the college.

Peggy Linton, dean of instruction, said the college has experienced continued growth in the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science transfer programs as well as in career programs.

“A total of 74 students have enrolled in the nursing programs with 34 in Associate Degree Nursing and 40 in Practical Nursing,” she said. “Additionally, many students have enrolled in prerequisite courses for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program which will begin January 2009 on the MacArthur Campus.”

An increase is also being seen in the college’s dual enrollment program with Enterprise Community College and the dual credit program.

Linton said a total of 258 dual enrollment high school students enrolled this fall semester.

“Two hundred twenty of these high school students are currently enrolled in English, pre-calculus, United States history and biology,” she said. “Additionally, 38 high school students from the Andalusia, Opp and Covington County school systems are enrolled in practical nursing, nursing assistant, automotive mechanics, welding and air conditioning and refrigeration on the MacArthur Campus.”

For more information regarding LBWCC programs or registration contact Peggy Linton at 334-493-5337; Dr. Jim Krudop, Greenville campus director, at 334-383-6711; or Judy Hall, acting dean for student affairs, at 334-493-5364 on the MacArthur Campus or 334-881-2245 on the Andalusia Campus.