CPCC sees increase in enrollment, financial aid applications

Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) announced today that it has seen a significant increase in admissions and financial aid applications. The College attributed the increase to the recent economic downturn; many residents are turning to CPCC as their educational resource for affordable career training programs.

According to CPCC officials, the College has experienced a 22 percent increase in admissions applications over the past 18 months. Reports show the majority of the growth occurring during the spring 2009 semester; admissions applications were up 12 percent and the College’s Office of Financial Aid reported a 150 percent increase in financial aid requests. In fact, CPCC’s spring enrollment totals exceeded its fall admissions numbers.

“Our increased numbers suggest that many local residents are placing a greater value on their education during today’s challenging economic times,” said Dr. Tony Zeiss, president of CPCC. “CPCC’s short-term training and degree programs are an attractive education option for residents seeking an affordable way to make a career change or learn a new professional skill. The College’s breadth and depth of programs give students the competitive edge they need to achieve personal and professional success.”

CPCC offers a variety of high demand career programs that can connect students to today’s “hot” careers. In as little as 12 months, students may earn a CPCC degree or certification and get equipped with the skills needed to get there. To learn more about CPCC and its programs, visit www.cpcc.edu.

Central Piedmont Community College is the largest community college in North Carolina, offering close to 300 degree and certification programs, customized corporate training, market-focused continuing education, and special interest classes. CPCC is academically, financially and geographically accessible to all citizens of Mecklenburg County. In 2002, the National Alliance of Business named CPCC the Community College of the Year for its response to the workforce and technology needs of local employers and job seekers through innovative educational and training strategies.

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This release prepared by Mallory Benz, 704.330.6613. An archive of CPCC news releases is at http://www.cpcc.edu/college-news.