SAN DIEGO: At least one local institution appears to be benefiting from the sagging economy.

The University of California San Diego Extension, the university's continuing education arm, had a record 22,616 students enrolled in more than 4,200 courses for the 2007-08 academic year, university officials said yesterday.

“When the economy is down, enrollment is up,” said Edward Abeyta, registrar and director of student services for UCSD's extended studies programs.

“We offer good information and connections to those wishing to change careers or to make themselves more marketable with specialized skills,” Abeyta said.

Classes are held evenings and weekends on the UCSD main campus and at three other locations – Sorrento Mesa, Rancho Bernardo and Mission Valley. Online courses also are available.

Classes for the fall term began this week.

UCSD Extension offers 90 certificate programs, more than a dozen specialized study programs, and 295 online courses, Abeyta said. –S.S.