8 months ago
The economy seems to be prompting more people to apply for unemployment and admission to Georgia's colleges and universities.
The university and technical college systems of Georgia reported increases in spring enrollment over this time last year and expect even bigger gains in the fall.
For Jordan Blackshear, his fall schedule isn't the most exciting part of becoming a freshman at Fort Valley State University. Blackshear said, "The new football stadium caught my eye and all the new dorms they're building."
Plus, he's getting away from his mom and aunt and their nagging question. "What am I going to do with my life if I don't go to college?," said Blackshear.
FVSU fit their family financially. Blackshear's aunt Glenda Puckett said, "I'm looking around at other schools, universities. Fort Valley, the cost was affordable."
At about $3,500 according to GaCollege411.org, the university is also close to their Hawkinsville home. Puckett said, "I can get here in less than 45 minutes." She says that's a cost consideration too.
Said Sewell, executive director of the university's Center for Academic Success, said money was on every parent's mind at freshman orientation Friday.
Sewell said, "At FVSU, we've been able to keep our costs low."
He said that's attracted transfer students from higher priced institutions and played a major factor in the school's projected fall enrollment of 4,100 students. That's up more than 30-percent from a year ago.
Spring semester, FVSU was the third fastest growing school in Georgia's university system. Almost all 35 colleges and universities grew. at an average rate of about six percent. Technical colleges gained 15-percent.
Sewell said, "Education is directly linked to that of the economy."
Blackshear says it's the path to success he'll follow. Blackshear said, "If I get a degree, I think it'll be easier for me to get a good job when I leave here."
The University System of Georgia also said this spring, fewer students enrolled part time. They saw a 15-percent increase in freshman enrollment and a 9-percent growth in minority students.
