One of these things is not like the other — as revenues, budgets, sales and, at times it seems, general morale go down across our community, one thing doesn’t.

You just have to drive a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle of town, pass through the brick entry ways and step onto the campus of Copiah-Lincoln Community College.

Just prepare to be cramped.

Co-Lin has seen a 100-student increase in enrollment this year, a growth rate that’s approximately 10 percent over last year.

And though the campus is running out of space and teachers are grading extra papers, not many folks are complaining.

Co-Lin, like other community colleges in the state and country, has seen an increase in enrollment due largely to the economy. A bad economy is good for community colleges.

The school is closer to home for cash-strapped students, and it is more economical than a four-year education.

And, in spite of continued cuts in funding from the state, Co-Lin is fiscally sound and about to begin a new building project.

Though more tuition dollars are coming in, operating costs are also up.

But Co-Lin can manage, leaders say.

It’s different.

“We’re busy,” Vice President Teresa Busby said. “But we can do more with less. That’s what we’re known for.”