The message that Lewis-Clark State College provides students with a high quality education at an affordable price continues to reach and resonate in more ears than ever before it seems, as evidenced by another record spring enrollment announced by college officials on Tuesday.

According to LCSC's 10th day report, spring enrollment increased by 1.3 percent from a year ago and is now at an all-time high of 4,269 students. The report also shows that full-time equivalency has hit a record high for spring at 2,995.

The enrollment number stands as the college's 10th consecutive semester of record enrollment, and also is LCSC's third highest total for any semester to date. The all-time enrollment mark of 4,693 was set last fall, and the second highest total of 4,542 came in the fall of 2010.

"LCSC's student-centered emphasis is paying dividends in increased enrollment and this semester has proven to be no different," LCSC President J. Anthony Fernandez said. "I'm particularly pleased that our pre-college enrollment continues to grow because we know that most LCSC pre-college students go on to college."

One of the largest areas of pre-college enrollment growth was in the number of students taking Tech Prep courses. This spring, 722 students are enrolled in such courses which is a 54.6 percent increase since the spring of 2009.

LCSC has now had four consecutive semesters of over 4,200 students, and has seen its spring enrollment jump by 57 percent since 2001 when it was at 2,721.

LCSC-Coeur d'Alene also set a new enrollment mark with 464 students, a 6.6 percent increase from last year's total of 435.

"We're encouraged by another record enrollment," LCSC Dean of Student Services Andy Hanson said. "Our numbers reflect public confidence in the quality and value of the education we deliver."

All state schools are required to file 10th-day reports to the State Board of Education. All school enrollment figures are based on the numbers on the 10th day of school. The 10th day of classes at LCSC this spring was Monday, Jan. 30.

LCSC officials also report that close to $18 million was awarded in financial aid, scholarships, waivers, and external agency funding this spring. Last spring over $16 million was awarded.