A 10.75 percent increase in enrollment at Northland Community and Technical College with campuses in East Grand Forks and Thief River Falls, validates a theory that in tough economic times, people turn to career and technical education.

The enrollment increase at NCTC that equates to 370 new students for the fall semester does not surprise the faculty and staff at the college. Enrollment at the Thief River Falls campus grew 27.5 percent with 313 new students, and the East Grand Forks Campus saw a 3 percent increase with 57 new enrolled students. The programs that saw the largest enrollment increase at the Thief River Falls campus were Liberal Arts, Nursing, Criminal Justice and Aviation Maintenance Technology. "Our numbers certainly reflect the trend across the country that when the economy declines, people go back to school for training or re-careering," said Eugene Klinke, director of enrollment management. "But I also think we have done a great job in reinforcing the message that NCTC offers high quality, affordable educational opportunities that are fast, focused and flexible. Our two-year associate degrees, diplomas and certificate programs give people the leading edge in demand technical skills and knowledge they need to help turn the economy around."

Northland Community and Technical College also reports an 11 percent increase in their online enrollment compared to the same period in 2008. A total of 1139 students registered for online classes through NCTC; that number includes 321 students that attend other regional campuses in the MnSCU system. “Our continued double-digit growth pattern indicates that individuals appreciate the flexibility, accessibility and affordability of a Northland Community & Technical College online education,” said Klinke.

College administrators are optimistic about the future. The college has streamlined many of its admissions processes to make getting into college and getting an education as easy and as painless as possible.

Northland College is also offering varied start times for the sought after programs. Currently, 3798 people are taking classes at NCTC, but that number does not reflect all of the students who will take advantage of the Farm Business Management program.