Maine colleges are reporting double-digit hikes in applications, but no one can say definitively why that’s happening. It could be that more students are applying to college, or it could be that students are simply applying to more colleges to give themselves broader choices in selecting schools. It’s a head-scratcher, but it’s encouraging news.

Traditionally, Maine has struggled to convince enough students to apply for college, either because students don’t recognize their opportunities or they just don’t think they can afford the cost. And, once in college, Maine students have also traditionally struggled to stay engaged until they earn degrees.

The rising application figures – whatever the reason they are rising – is an indication that college education is becoming more important to Maine students. Good.

The best and most efficient way to improve our economy is to educate our work force. While there is much work left to do to raise the college enrollment rate statewide, the rising application figures are a testament to the hard work of school counselors, the building support of parents for their children, and the gaining strength of students to believe in themselves.

We have not fixed the problem, but great strides are being made.