Spring enrollment is strong at Pennsylvania-run universities

State-run universities in Western Pennsylvania say enrollment numbers are strong this spring.

PennWest University — which is made up of the California, Clarion, and Edinboro campuses, plus online courses — now has 10,121 students. That’s nearly 2.5% above the school’s target.

The university also said its retention rate — or the percentage of students who return after the fall semester — has increased to 88.6%.

Online enrollment jumped 10%.

“These outcomes reflect students recognizing the value of a PennWest education,” said university president Jon Anderson. “Our focus remains on access, affordability and helping students reach their goals.”

PennWest is not alone. The University of Pittsburgh’s freshman class this academic year jumped 25% over the previous year.

This mirrors a national trend of rising enrollment at public universities and community colleges.

In recent years, the higher education community has been concerned about changing demographics leading to an “enrollment cliff,” and increased doubt about the value of a college education.

But experts say the uptick in students at public universities could reflect uncertainty about the economy. People may be looking to add skills to compete in a tighter job market.