SCRANTON, Pa. — It's the second day of classes for carpentry students like senior Kaila Collins at Johnson College in Scranton.
"Since the first year we're doing woodworking, at least in my field, we're just hands-on making things all the time."
That hands-on approach is one of many reasons why Collins and other students chose to study at the technical school, including freshman Tom Raniero.
"I'm doing their electrical technology construction program," said Raniero. "And I've heard a lot of great things about that program from everybody that I've talked to."
Raniero is one of more than 360 freshmen starting at the college, with a record-breaking class size.
In total- there are more than 720 attending students, the largest in the school's 112 year history.
"Right now. My senior class, we have, I think, about ten students and the freshman is about like 26 to like 30," said Isabelle Burney, a senior Veterinary Nursing student.
College President and CEO Dr. Katie Pittelli says this growth in the student body is exceeding expectations set over the last few years.
"We are the only two-year technical college in the region," said Pittelli. "Parents and students are a lot savvy in how they are looking at college, how they are looking at debt on the other side, and asking themselves, does this degree have value?"
A degree at a valued price is one reason Veterinary Nursing Senior Isabelle Burney believes the growth is not unexpected, especially in a major as demanding as hers.
"I believe it's a great school that people are finally starting to realize that you can come in, and you can do it, and it's easy, said Burney. " You can get out into the workforce, and you can make some good money."
The college plans to continue expanding its campus in Scranton by opening Bracey Hall to grow the property management, HVAC, and electrical construction technology programs.