(Springfield, MO) -- Ozarks Technical Community College handed out about 200 diplomas Sunday night.

Students finishing their GED coursework earned the certificates. 

OTC credits the recession for a 15 to 25 percent increase in adult education enrollment. 
The increase has come in the last 6 to 8 months.

Administrators say diplomas earned today can mean better jobs, more money and even health care benefits for students.

Many graduates, including Angela Williams, say it was that motivation and family support that sent them back to school.

"My daughter graduated last year.  I was so proud, I started my classes and graduated this year," Williams says.

About 10-percent of GED students go on to continue their education at OTC.