DaytonDailyNews.com

DAYTON — Ohio's overall rate of college education is growing, which could benefit the state's slumping economy.

"The single greatest correlation to economic well-being in today's world is the percentage of our population that has college degrees, because these are the people that are generating higher-paying jobs and filling higher-paying jobs," said Eric D. Fingerhut.

Fingerhut, chancellor of the Board of Regents, addressed the success of Ohio's "Strategic Plan for Higher Education" based on accountability measures in a meeting last week with the Dayton Daily News editorial board. "The trends are positive," he said.

The percentage of Ohio residents ages 25-64 with associate's, bachelor's and graduate degrees or higher increased from 2006 to 2007, according to U.S. Census data. Ohio jumped two or more spots in national rankings for each of those categories.

Enrollment at Ohio's public colleges and universities reached 478,376 in fall 2008, up 2.7 percent — an increase of 12,520 students — since fall 2007. The biggest growth was at community colleges and regional campuses.

"The main campus of the major universities, these are always going to be your most expensive options for students," Fingerhut said. "That's why we've made a big push in getting not only associate degrees but bachelor's degrees out to the community colleges and regional campuses."

Sinclair Community College had record enrollment for fall 2008 with a 3.6 percent increase to 23,259 students.

Sinclair is seeing "huge enrollment growth" at its Englewood and Huber Heights Learning Centers, and its Courseview Campus Center in Mason, said Allison Rhea, senior director of enrollment management.

The economy "has had an impact on our enrollment growth at the community college level," with an increase in displaced workers and their dependents, Rhea said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2419 or dlarsen@

DaytonDailyNews.com.