PROVIDENCE, R.I.—The number of students attending Rhode Island's three public colleges is at a record high.
State higher education officials say the recession and high unemployment have helped drive the number of students at the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and Community College of Rhode Island to more than 43,400 this fall.
The last time enrollment reached such high levels was in 1992, when nearly 43,300 students attended the schools as the state struggled through the banking crisis and recession.
Enrollment numbers are climbing as state financial support for the schools is on the decline, and tuition and fees are on the rise.
Acting higher education Commissioner Steven Maurano tells The Providence Journal high enrollment strains college services and staff.
------
Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.projo.com/
