Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE -- With winter quarter classes now under way, Gwinnett Technical College marks three years -- 12 consecutive quarters -- of double-digit enrollment growth.

It's a milestone achievement that administrators say reflects the need for accessible higher education and career-focused training, the growth of in-demand programs of study, and new trends in how education is delivered to students.

Enrollment for this winter quarter is up 25 percent over last year, with a total of 6,563 students registered, according to a news release. Notably, Gwinnett Tech saw a 28 percent increase in new students and a 64 percent increase in full-time new students.

"We're seeing tremendous growth in virtually every measurement of our student population," Gwinnett Tech President Sharon Bartels said. "This year, our winter enrollment is virtually the same as our record fall figure -- and that's rare. Fall quarter is traditionally our largest enrollment period, and winter quarter enrollment generally drops."

Not only are students flocking to campus in record numbers, they're also taking heavier course loads. At Gwinnett Tech, the number of full-time students has increased 36 percent, with a 29 percent increase in total credit hours taken.

Weekend students increased 138 percent, and evening student enrollment rose 29 percent. To increase accessibility and ease campus crowding, Gwinnett Tech now offers more than 45 classes at the college's International Education Center, located at Gwinnett Place Mall.

Gwinnett Tech is building additional parking and campus roads and will break ground on its new life sciences building this spring.