"We've seen a lot of younger students who may have in the past gone straight to a four-year university but because they have seen parents who are laid off they are watching their money and coming here," said Dr. Kim Gold, vice president of academic and student services and institutional assessment.

Students aren't just looking at the value of the college based on tuition alone. They are also looking at the associated expenses of going away to college, too, said Isothermal's Director of Marketing and Community Relations Mike Gavin.

"Isothermal does represent a good value and they're taking advantage of it," he said.

The increase in students comes at a time when the college faces the unknown as far as the state budget is concerned. While the state will allow money to be used for direct instructional purposes, it doesn't give any wiggle room for hiring support staff.

"We've got a testing coordinator vacancy that can't be filled due to the hiring freeze," Gavin said. "We also have a business science instructor who came from financial aid who is now filling in again in that department."

More students means more people taking placement tests, more people applying for financial aid and ultimately, more students in classes.

"We have increased the class sizes somewhat but we've also added additional sections of classes," Gold said. "We have a lot of instructors taking on additional classes and in many cases, without extra compensation. You think adding just one class isn't that big of a deal, but that's more papers to grade and more students to call in."

Gold said the college has hired some part-time instructors to help with the overload and some retired instructors are returning to help out. In some areas, though, finding part-time staff isn't easy.

"In some areas, yes, it's hard to find someone because of the qualifications SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) requires," she said. "They have to have a master's degree and 18 hours in an area, and sometimes that is hard to find."

The college will hold last-chance registration Aug. 17 and 18; classes begin Aug. 19 and schedule adjustments will be on Aug. 19 and 20. Typically about 1,000 additional students register during that time. For those who want to register and have not, Gavin recommended checking to see which classes are full and having everything you need tor register in order.

"Pay attention to the deadlines and try to be patient," he said.

A list of open and closed classes, as well as online and hybrid classes, are available on the main page at www.isothermal.edu.