AUBURN - Cayuga County Community College has received more applications for financial aid in its first three weeks of the school year than it did all of last year, the college's president Daniel Larson announced Tuesday at a meeting of the Cayuga County Legislature.

And to meet the rising need that Larson credited to economic strain on families and increased student enrollment, the college has awarded $30 million in aid so far this year, $7 million more than last year's total aid award, he said.

Federal and state aid programs that cover between 60 and 70 percent of students' tuition and partially assist many more have allowed the college to meet the dramatic increase in demand for financial aid - so far.

Larson said he expects aid applications to taper, now that the semester has begun, but anticipates a continuation of the upward trend when spring enrollment begins.

“We anticipate our spring numbers will be strong as well,” said Larson, speaking of both enrollment and financial aid applications.

The college has had record-breaking enrollment this fall with about 3,600 students, up 20 percent from last year, Larson said. About 45 percent of students are new to the college this year.

Larson said the college is seeing a shift in demographics - more students straight out of high school and more older students who are returning to school, which could also contribute to the increase in applications.

While laid-off workers looking for a new trade may meet the annual income cut off for financial aid, between $48,000 and $50,000, recent high school graduates may be opting for lower-cost education.

“Cayuga Community College is probably about the best cost that's out there,” Larson said.

Tuition is about $3,400 per year at the college, while tuition at SUNY schools is twice that and private schools can cost as much as $50,000 per year.

Larson said he hoped the low cost of education at the college would ease the financial burden of the college's rapidly growing student body.

In other news:

* A request by the sheriff to fill a vacant detective position was granted.

* The Legislature approved a request by the district attorney's office to fill an anticipated vacancy of the victim/witness services program coordinator. The position entails advising and helping victims and witnesses during and after their cases.

* The Legislature recognized the 150th anniversary of the Auburn YMCA#)WEIU on Oct. 7.

Staff writer Sarah Gantz can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 237 or sarah.gantz@lee.net