COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- A growing number of black male students are going to college in Maryland, and top administrators said it's a positive trend that they expect will continue.

Tim Tooten Reports

The numbers went from nearly 7,500 enrolled black males in 2001 to nearly 9,000 last year -- a 20 percent increase.

At the University of Maryland College Park, the state's largest campus, many students said they're not surprised by the findings.

"People want to be doctors and lawyers and architects, or try to start their own businesses. That's why they come to school and try to learn the things they need to do those things," said student Dececco Dockins.

"I'm not surprised, actually. In the community -- at least in my community -- it was a big thing to go to college. It was expected to go to college," said Ian Davidson.

"I think this is part of a broader trend of increases in minorities, both here in the system and nationally," said Ben Passmore, director of policy research and analysis for the University System of Maryland.

Passmore said financial assistance is just one reason why the numbers are climbing.

"USM over the last three years has really put a lot of effort into increasing need-based financial aid, and since the beginning of this decade, we've seen it rise from around $10 million to around $30 million," Passmore said.

College Park freshman Muhammad Sillah gave high marks to his high school for getting him ready for higher education.

"I went to Eleanor Roosevelt High School right down the road in Greenbelt, and they offer a lot of great programs to help you get prepared for college. So, if they really prepare you in high school, anybody can do anything they want," he said.

Students also said their parents gave them extra incentive for going to college.

"I know they wanted me to go to college. They always talked about getting good grades in school so that I could go to college. You just see how well my parents did. They did well, and they went to school. If I want to do well, then I have to go to school, too," Dockins said.

College officials said that the goal is currently to do a better job of keeping all students in school until graduation.