Bismarck State College president Larry Skogen says preliminary fall enrollment figures for BSC show a six percent increase in students.
Skogen says that’s a turn-around from the last few years.
"We've had a couple of off-years here," said Skogen. "Part of it is the booming economy. And we've been dealing with the housing issue here in Bismarck-Mandan. But right now, I think we've probably turned that corner."
Skogen says the booming economy seems to now be working in BSC’s favor.
"The Bismarck-Mandan area has become a very attractive area," said Skogen. "We've had a number of businesses move to town, and that's bringing a number of families. Also, older-than-average students are retooling themselves to work in this new economy."
Skogen says oil patch salaries are still a strong pull – not only for students, but for faculty as well. But he says BSC is holding its own.