By Jennifer Fuller
Carbondale, IL – Southern Illinois University Carbondale has nearly 200 fewer students taking classes this summer compared to last year... and administrators say they're hoping to turn things around soon.
Enrollment dropped by 195 students this summer, a 2% reduction over last year at the same time.
Leaders attribute the decline to a slow economy, and especially high gas prices. They say the more it costs to fill a tank, the fewer commuter students they see.
Overall enrollment was 9,265. Officials say that could increase by the end of the summer semester, as some students register late for classes.
