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Kim Erikson chats with frinds between classes at Highland Community College Friday afternoon.

Enrollment growth is good. But it can pose challenges to colleges, particularly when funding goes the opposite direction.

Community colleges across the nation are reporting record growth, but state budgets aren’t keeping up. A recent study released by the Education Policy Center at the University of Alabama mapped out the challenges community colleges across the country face, and what they’re up against in the leaner fiscal year ahead.

Highland Community College, from where a majority of the students transfer to a four-year university, has yet to make major boosts in its tuition despite taking a 5 percent cut in state funds since January. Another four percent cut could occur in January.

“One of our touchstones is ‘affordable, accessible and transferable,’” said Dr. Craig Mosher, executive assistant to the president at Highland. “But (tuition is) one of the things we’ll have to start looking at.”

Highland is preparing for a projected 17 percent growth this semester. Its waiting list for on-campus living hit a head count of 60 at the beginning of the fall. They need new dorms. And like most other community colleges in the nation, according to the study, science facilities are in short supply.

Dr. Mosher said the problems they face in light of the economy are keeping “good people” despite salary freezes, building or enhancing current or new programs, maintaining facilities and keeping up with the enrollment growth.

Community colleges are also expected to take hits in their ability to offer general education programs, vocational and occupational programs, and technical education, according to the study.

North Central Missouri College in Trenton solved its science facilities shortfall by recently completing its Allied Health Center, which adds new laboratories and 30,000 square feet of classroom space to the campus. And it’s partnering with other community colleges throughout the state to offer specialized programs that would otherwise be too expensive.

But as the budget shortfall expected to hit next year looms, Dr. Neal Nuttall, president of the college, said they’ll have to take a close look at their programs to “make sure they’re paying their way.”

“It’s quite a balance for us,” Dr. Nuttall said of a 16 percent increase in enrollment, meeting increases in expenses, and “yet not receiving the same level of funding.”

Dr. Nuttall said moderate increases in tuition may have to be considered next year. Meanwhile, he said everyone is counting on federal stimulus dollars to do their job and stimulate the economy.

“If that doesn’t happen,” he said, “then we’ll really see an impact.”

Jimmy Myers can be reached at jimmym@npgco.com.