Harper College Enrollment Drops in 2013

Harper College saw a decrease in full-time enrollment for 2013. 

A spring 2013 enrollment report released by the Illinois Community College Board showed enrollment at Harper dropped by 1.5 percent for the 2013 school year while other area community colleges, such as McHenry County and the College of Lake County saw increases in enrollment, according to a McHenry County College press release. 

Here is a look at how area community colleges ranked when it came to 2013 enrollment:

• McHenry County College: 2.2 percent increase in enrollment
• Elgin Community College: 2.3 percent decrease in enrollment
• Rock Valley College: 3.9 percent decrease in enrollment
• College of Lake County: 1.3 percent increase in enrollment

Nationally, two-year community college have seen tuition numbers increase since 2007, according to the news release. Between 2000 and 2010, national enrollment numbers increased from 5.9 to 7.7 million for students attending community colleges. 

By 2021, that number is expected to rise to 8.8 million. 

"With $12.7 billion slashed from student loan programs since 2007, more and more students and their parents are eyeing community colleges as an economical stepping stone to higher education," according to the news release.