LBW Community College saw a slight increase in the number of students enrolled this semester compared to spring 2010, officials said Wednesday.

“Enrollment continues to increase, but at a slower rate than the last several years,” Marketing Director Renee LeMaire said.

Regardless of the slower rate, the number is the highest spring semester enrollment in at least the last three years.

LeMaire said total enrollment for the spring semester is 1,843 students, which is approximately a 3 percent increase over spring 2010 in which 1,634 students were enrolled.

The college saw record-breaking numbers last semester with 1,912 students, making it the highest recorded enrollment on the books. Those figures include Andalusia, Opp, Greenville and Luverne campuses.

Students are also taking more credit-hours than they were a year ago, LeMaire said.

In spring 2010, students took 17,835 credit hours, compared to 19,283 this semester.

LeMaire said more people are realizing that a high school education alone is not enough for today’s workforce.

“Education is the best investment anyone can make in their lives and for their future,” LeMaire said. “LBWCC continues to be the best financial option for the first two years of college compared to the cost of four-year institutions.”

Our technical programs provide training for a new career in two years or less.”