Concordia College-Selma has another positive to add to its academic resume.

The school, along with other schools in the 10-college Concordia University System, recently saw a record-high increase in its fall undergraduate and graduate enrollment, according to school officials.

Concordia-Selma saw a 9 percent increase in enrollment with 719 students, up 62 students from 2010.

Director of Enrollment Gwendolyn Moore said Concordia’s “newly expanded campus” makes it more visible to potential students.

“Concordia is blessed with a hard-working admissions team that shares the Concordia story around the state, region (and) country,” Moore said. “Others sharing the story include alumni and coaches, who help in the effort … we know that our students represent us well, whether with the ROTC, the marching band or choir, our athletes and students who volunteer in the local schools as tutors and mentors, who create a positive picture of our college … “

CUS enrollment is up 3.5 percent from last year. The total number of graduate students in the system grew by 3 percent from 12,565 in 2010, to 12,909 this year — an increase of 344 students. Undergraduate enrollment also climbed from 14,889 to 15,512, a gain of 623 students, or 4 percent.

CUS director of Development Dr. William Meyer said the numbers show the value people place on faith-based education.

“CUS schools offer a Christian, Lutheran high-quality education that is widely respected,” Meyer said in a released statement. “More and more students are choosing a faith-based institution over a secular one because they know they’re going to get a quality education with an ethical, spiritual bonus.”

Moore said many students and their parents like that Concordia is a Christian college, which adds to its popularity.

“Especially as students are leaving home it helps to know they will be living in a positive Christian environment,” Moore said. Small classes, professors who are interested in their subjects and in the students, and the values of Christian life and focus on spiritual development as well as academics, attract many students.”

Moore also said Concordia plans to offer new degree programs in business management in the upcoming school year.

“We’re very excited to be offering several new concentrations … those are sports management, marketing, accounting, international business and computer information systems,” Moore said. “

In addition, we are expanding our off-campus class sites from two to seven. Last year, Hayneville and Camden (and) this spring (we’re) adding Coy, Livingston, Marion, Dallas County and Millbrook.”

Registration for the 2012 spring semester will be held Jan. 9 and 10. Orientation for new students is Jan. 5 through 7. The first day of class begins Wednesday, Jan. 11. Applications will be accepted until that date.