Fall enrollment statistics released this month for Mississippi’s universities and colleges show a mixed bag, but one that may signal an improving overall state economy.

Overall, the state’s eight universities showed a solid 1.8-percent increase in enrollment, reaching an all-time high of more than 81,000 students.

The news wasn’t as positive for the state’s 15 community colleges showing a 2.5-percent decline.

Education experts suggest the shift from community colleges to universities may be the result of a returning pendulum of sorts that was first put into motion with the national recession of 2008-2009.

Cash-strapped parents and workers looking to reposition themselves in the job market opted for the better, perceived value offered at community colleges when compared to more expensive universities.

Community colleges boomed during the first years after the recession.

The theory seems to be playing out in reverse now.

In our corner of the world, the statistics were less mixed and a bit more negative.

Alcorn State University showed a 1.2 percent decline.

Copiah-Lincoln Community College showed a 0.9-percent decline.

The declines at Alcorn and Co-Lin, while important to watch over time to ensure a greater trend isn’t occurring, are mostly just a blip for now.

Each school remains important to our corner of Mississippi, and we hope each has continued success in the days and years ahead.