With the numbers of students enrolling into high education institutions decreasing across the state, Ranger College is anything but shrinking. In fact, the two-year college reported respectable growth this fall.

Listed as one of the fastest-growing small colleges in a 2010 report, Ranger College saw its overall attendance increase by more than 3 percent this fall, climbing to 2,066 as of Sept. 29, 2015. The fall semester’s overall numbers show an increase of almost 50 students from the previous fall.

“In a state where most schools are seeing their enrollment numbers decrease, for us to be up is a very good sign,” said Ranger College President William J. Campion. “If we had more housing here on this campus, I feel our numbers would be even higher than what they are.”

Campion said he expects the college’s numbers to continue to increase in the future, at a steeper rate. A renewed focus on the college’s Erath, Brown, Comanche and Young county campuses is expected to generate significant growth in the coming years.

The latest numbers continue a recent trend of increasing enrollment totals at the institution. Since 2013, Ranger College has seen its overall student numbers increase from 1,893 to 2,066.

Enrollment decreases have been reported throughout the State of Texas this fall. Much of the decrease stems from an improving economy, Campion said. Traditionally, college enrollment numbers climb in tougher economic times and decrease when the economy improves.