La Crosse's three higher education institutions all report having a record number of students attending classes this semester, officials said.

Though the numbers are preliminary - final numbers aren't recorded until weeks or months into the academic year - leaders at the three campuses said they are thrilled with the strong numbers.

Viterbo University has about 1,550 undergraduate full-time students this school year, up 9 percent from 2008-09, said Viterbo President Rick Artman.

Viterbo also hit an all-time high for new freshmen at about 400, a 16 percent increase from the previous freshman class, said Artman.

"It is a remarkable increase in this economy," said Artman. "Obviously, we are pleased and proud."

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse as of Tuesday had about 8,700 full-time and part-time undergraduate students enrolled, more than any year in the past two decades, which is as far back as UW System data goes,said Teri Hinds, UW-L director of institutional research.

The next-highest enrollment was in 1999, which had about 50 fewer students, according to institutional data. Based on previous enrollment trends, Hinds predicts numbers will continue to grow until the official tally on the 10th day of classes.

Full-time equivalent students at Western Technical College total 1,700 this semester, the largest number in Western's history, said Julie Lemon, the school's public relations specialist. Enrollment is about 12 percent higher than the same time last year, said Western President Lee Rasch.

Western's increase primarily is due to the large number of veterans and dislocated workers returning to school, as well as a new associate of science transfer degree offering, said Lemon.

Artman attributes Viterbo's increase to more aggressive recruiting in nearby states, adding six new sports teams in the past three years and offering more sports scholarships. The university also has new academic programs and more campus events geared toward high school students, he said.

UW-L was able to accept more students through its Growth, Quality and Access plan to expand enrollment and add faculty and staff while increasing tuition over five years. More students bring more tuition, which is needed as state funding declines, said UW-L Chancellor Joe Gow.

"I think when times are challenging, people look for value, and we continue to offer great value for the tuition price," said Gow.