Michigan's community colleges see fewer students

DETROIT (AP) -- Michigan's community colleges are seeing lower enrollment this fall versus a year ago and some students also are taking lighter class loads. The Detroit Free Press recently reported that the changes come as federal worker retraining money dries up. They also accompany an update in rules governing health care coverage where part-time students may stay on their parents' health insurance policies. Enrollment at Michigan's 28 community colleges is down 4 percent compared with last fall, and the number of credit hours taken is down 6 percent. Some colleges say they have planned related declines in tuition money and budgeted accordingly. Others say they're cutting instructors. Published: Mon, Oct 3, 2011