Number of two-year degree-earners soars

ACROSS MISSISSIPPI — The number of graduates receiving degrees from Mississippi’s 15 community college has increased in recent years.

According to the State Board for Community and Junior Colleges, an estimated 12,100 students will receive degrees this academic year. Board officials say that’s an increase of 23.1 percent over the past five years.

During the 2008-2009 year, nearly 10,800 students received degrees.

Board spokesman Kell Smith attributes the increase, in part, to people trying to improve their job skills to survive the tough economy.