OAKWOOD — Lanier Technical College’s enrollment has reached a record high.

According to figures supplied by the Technical College System of Georgia, the combined enrollment at the school’s five campuses at the end of fall quarter was 3,308 students.

The previous record was set in fall 2003, when the college had 3,250 students.

President Mike Moye said he believes the college’s focus on making its offerings more accessible has led to the enrollment hike.

The college has campuses in Oakwood, Cumming, Winder, Dawsonville and Commerce.

The expansion has allowed many students who might have otherwise discounted college because of busy schedules and other obstacles to seek career training.

"Many of our students can be considered nontraditional due to their ages and domestic situations," Moye said.

"We have made every effort to ensure that students who already have families at home or are working full-time jobs have access to the training offered at Lanier Tech."

Free money for college doesn’t hurt, either.

The Georgia HOPE Grant program pays for tuition and books. To be eligible, the student must be enrolled in a technical certificate or diploma program and must be a legal Georgia resident for one year prior before applying. There are no income, age, high school grade-point average or high-school graduation date limitations.