Fall enrollment in the University of Hawaii system has increased slightly to a record 60,519 students.

University officials on Wednesday said fall enrollment has increased five straight years and by 20 percent, or 10,000 students, since 2006. The latest fall enrollment figure breaks the previous mark set last fall by 288 students.

Colleges and universities nationwide have reported higher enrollment as the economy turned south and jobs were harder to find and keep.

Linda Johnsrud, UH executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, said the rise in enrollment shows "that people understand higher education is a good investment."

"It is our responsibility to the state of Hawaii to provide a quality education and help our students achieve their dreams," she said.

Enrollment at the flagship Manoa campus increased slightly from a year ago, while community colleges showed a slight decline overall. Manoa gained 176 students, an increase of 0.9 percent, with enrollment now standing at 20,313.

UH-West Oahu, which enrolled its fifth freshman class, reported 1,699 students, up 205 from last year, or 13.7 percent. Hilo gained 64 students and was at 4,149.

UH-Maui College saw an increase of 3.9 percent to 4,518, while Kapiolani Community College had the largest drop of 3.3 percent, or 313 students.

The other schools were:

» Hawaii Community College, 3,933 students, up 2.2 percent.

» Honolulu Community College, 4,656 students, down 2.5 percent.

» Kauai Community College, 1,434 students, down 0.6 percent.

» Leeward Community College, 7,947 students, down 0.6 percent.

» Windward Community College, 2,737 students, up 2.9 percent.