Enrollment numbers at area colleges are at record levels across the board.

Two four-year universities, two community colleges and one private college all gave preliminary numbers in August that hinted to record enrollments. Schools typically wait until later in the semester, after dual credit hours for high schools and new co-eds get through their first few weeks and make shifts in their enrollment, before they come out with a final tally.

As expected, and as seen across the nation, community college numbers are seeing the most drastic increases. North Central Missouri College is reporting a 16 percent increase to 1,759 students. Highland Community College saw a nearly 17 percent increase over last year, growing to 3,307 students.

Historically, enrollment numbers at community colleges rise during times of recession. Experts point to various reasons, but cost savings compared to bigger schools is often the most cited. Community colleges also offer technical training that can be utilized by laid-off industry workers to find jobs in niche markets.

Northwest Missouri State University’s enrollment came up 3 percent over last year, with a head count of 7,076 students. First-time freshman, international student and undergraduate records were set with this year’s enrollment. Bev Schenkel, dean of enrollment management, said the university retained 73 percent of its freshman class from last year, above the national average of 70 percent.

Missouri Western State University’s 3.5 percent growth puts it at 5,735 students, which includes graduate students. Western officials thought they might hit a milestone of 6,000 this year, but fell short. Western has seen record enrollment every year for five years.

Western’s freshman class, at 1,143, is the university’s largest. The university also boasts a more diverse background than other area schools, with more than 17 percent of students claiming ethnic backgrounds. About 10.5 percent are black non-Hispanic.

Benedictine College continues its growth, with a final count of 1,430 students, a 6 percent growth over last year’s numbers.

Jimmy Myers can be reached

at jimmym@npgco.com.