In a recent New York Times article, it was reported that 2008 college enrollment rates hit a new record, at 40% of 18-24-year-olds. “I’m a college student,” you might say, “How will this affect me?” The Times article points out that most of this increase is due to an large increase in community-college enrollment. And the reason for this increase? With the economic recession, there are fewer jobs available and more competitiveness in the market.

College is the new high school, and we can see this fact all around us. Enrollment here at Penn State has been going up, and the University isn’t curbing their enrollment policy. Rather than becoming more selective in the admission process, the University is looking for the big bucks. This rise in student enrollment has resulted in building new dorms, and even a plan to get rid of Simmons dining hall to make room for more housing. How long can this go on for? When does Penn State hit its maximum capacity? Only time will tell…

[Photo courtesy of flickr.com]