Hudson County Community College broke the 7,000 student barrier this September, creeping past this historic milestone by 19 students, officials announced this week.
“This is a very significant development for the college and a 10 percent increase over our enrollment numbers last year,” said board of trustees Chairman William J. Netchert.
Paula P. Adelhoch, vice president for student affairs, credited the enrollment surge to “consumer savvy.”
At $82 per credit, most HCCC students will be charged around $5,300 for their two-year degrees, but more than 80 percent of the students receive financial aid, Adelhoch said.
In contrast, a local private four-year college is charging $400 per credit, she said.
“What we’re seeing is consumers doing the math and choosing us,” Adelhoch said.
The 37-year-old college is also focusing on growth industries, such as the medical field, Adelhoch said. For example, 182 students are enrolled in the school’s Cooperative Nursing Program, a 17 percent increase since 2003, she said.
