Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon's universities are seeing record enrollment this year. A report released Tuesday, shows an almost 6 percent increase in the number of students. Kristian Foden-Vencil reports.

It's the highest percentage increase the Oregon University System has seen since 2001. And at almost 31,000, it's the largest incoming class in the state has ever seen.

University System spokesman, Bob Kieran says part of it's because the economy is bad, people can't find work and are going back to school.

But he says, high school graduates also know they'll need a degree to compete in a global marketplace -- it's not like the old days when they might work the same job as their dad in the logging or fishing industry.

Kieran says campuses are very busy.

Bob Kieran: "Students might see slightly longer lines, but they'll probably get their classes for the most part. I haven't heard of students having a hard time that way.   I know the dorms are full but there are still rentals available, so it's not without options for the students."

The average resident undergraduate spends about $17,000 on a year's education -- including tuition, room and board.

About two thirds receive some form of financial aid.