ELKHART — The people at Ivy Tech are saying: "We're number 1!" And they don't even have a sports team there. The college says its chain of campuses has surpassed Indiana University in enrollment. But the numbers are just part of the expansion story at Ivy Tech.

While the school just passed IU as the leader in the state in enrollment, Ivy Tech’s Elkhart campus will soon move out of a converted manufacturing facility and into a 70,000-square foot custom made building near county roads 17 and 18.

While many area recreational vehicle plants are closing, there's a silver lining for places like Ivy Tech. More people are flocking to the admissions office and going back to school. They're trying to make themselves more marketable for potential employers.

"Obviously we're seeing some of our RV folks who have been laid off or are coming who, maybe it wasn’t their choice,” said Teresa Shaffer, Vice Chancellor and Dean of the Elkhart campus. “But this has opened a new opportunity for them to come back to school."

Pam Schafer was recently laid off. Now she's at Ivy Tech, using financial aid to study for a career in health care — a field with a brighter future.

"The jobs that we are allowed to choose from are all jobs in demand,” Schafer told WSBT News. “So I'll be going into the medical field."

It all makes sense. Go back to school, get a degree, and opportunity will follow.

But industry leaders have a warning. They say more education does not always translate into a better job.

Veteran staffing manager Jay Mattern says education is just one part of the package.

"I do think there's an unrealistic expectation that people have that says, 'Hey, if I get a degree, I'm automatically promotable or I'm automatically able to look for that next level position' and that's not necessarily the case,” he explained.

Mattern adds that it's always a good idea for people to go to school if they have the chance.

He says the education will make them more marketable for the fields which are enjoying good times now.

He adds that when the job market loosens up, employers will be looking for qualified workers. He's says those who are prepared are more likely to be hired.