BUTLER TWP — Butler County Community College set record enrollment this semester with 3,944 credit students.

This is up 2.9 percent from last year, an increase of 112 students at the campuses in Butler Township, Cranberry Township, and in Mercer and Lawrence counties, the college reported Friday.

College President Nicholas Neupauer said at recent meetings he expects to have 4,000 credit students by the end of the year.

BC3 attributes the increased enrollment to several programs such as duel enrollment, In-School Youth, and College Within the High School Programs, as well as Praxis preparation courses and several new hybrid courses at BC3 @ Cranberry that begin seven weeks into the semester.

The success of the new BC3 @ Lawrence Crossing is also a factor, the college said.

For the first time, enrollment in Lawrence County has surpassed enrollment at Cranberry.