CANTON -- SUNY Canton has set an enrollment record for the third consecutive year.

The college has 3,686 students this semester. The number represents an incoming class of 941 first-time, full-time students and 241 new full-time transfer students.

In 2008, they had 3,056 enrollments and 3,343 in 2009. 2010 enrollment marks second straight year of more than 10 percent growth.

“We're consistently growing in all the right areas,” said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy, referring to the growth in four-year career programs at the college. “The college is a completely different place from when I first came here.”

Enrollment has grown 73 percent in the past ten years, up from 2,126 students in 2000, and it's nearly doubled since enrolling 1,880 students in 1970.

“This growth has helped us avoid the layoffs and reduction of staff that we've seen in many other colleges around the state,” Kennedy said. “It's also a big benefit to our local economy and area businesses to bring in additional students.”

The college broke a 33-year-old record for the most applications in the school's history with more than 5,500 applicants this year. The previous record was set in 1977 when 5,331 students applied. The college has increased applications nearly 20 percent for four consecutive years, up 77 percent overall from 2006.

“We've grown in nearly every way and we anticipate another strong class next year,” said Assistant Vice President for Advancement Randy B. Sieminski, who oversaw the admissions office through this year's record enrollments. “The spring opening of our new athletic facility and our new residence hall opening next summer will make 2011 one of the most exciting years in SUNY Canton history.”