Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) announced Monday that more than 200,000 students are attending its network of 32 schools this fall.

The headcount reflects the fifth consecutive increase in fall enrollment and a record high. Fall enrollment in the MnSCU system includes 203,756 students-up 2.7 percent from last fall, when the system comprised 198,794 students.

The system's 25 community and technical schools saw enrollment grow by more than 3 percent, while enrollment at the seven state universities increased by almost 2 percent.

“Once again, the public colleges and universities have attracted an increasing number of students to its doors,” Chancellor James H. McCormick said in a statement. “We look forward to another banner year of learning, opportunity, and preparing our students for their future.”

MnSCU cited multiple factors for this fall's enrollment growth, including an 18.3 percent increase in students deemed eligible for federal Pell grants, more students returning from the previous academic year, and an increase in enrollment among students over the age of 24.

Of the state universities within MnSCU's system, Metropolitan State University saw the largest percent increase in enrollment between fall 2009 and fall 2010. The school now has a headcount of 7,846-up 6.6 percent from the previous year.