Enrollment in American colleges and universities has soared in recent years, rising by 17 percent from 1982 to 1992 and 15 percent from 1992 to 2002. Here's a look at some other numbers:

Women vs. men: Female enrollment increased 18 percent from 1992 to 2002, while male enrollment rose by 10 percent.

Part-time vs. full-time: Part-time enrollment rose by 5 percent, full-time enrollment by 22 percent.

Age patterns: From 1990 to 2002, enrollment of students younger than 25 increased by 25 percent. Enrollment of those 25 and older rose by 13 percent.

Minorities: The proportion of American college students who are minorities has been increasing. In 1976, some 15 percent were minorities, compared with 29 percent in 2002. The proportion of Asian or Pacific islander students rose from 2 percent to 6 percent during that period.

Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics

AROUND THE U.S.A.

NEW YORK CITY HOPES TEACHER SUBSIDIES WORK

New York City plans to use housing subsidies of nearly $15,000 to recruit much-needed math, science and special-education teachers for some of its toughest schools.

Teachers would get up to $5,000 up front to help cover moving costs and down payments, then $400 monthly subsidies for two years.

In return, they would have to commit to teaching for at least three years, primarily in the city's most challenging middle or high school campuses, schools spokesman David Cantor said yesterday.

Source: Associated Press

EDUCATION FACT

HOMESCHOOLING IS CATCHING ON

In 2003, the number of homeschooled students was 1.1 million, an increase from 850,000 in 1999. The percentage of the school-age population who were homeschooled increased from 1.7 percent in 1999 to 2.2 percent in 2003.

Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics