Folks from around the state often marvel at "New Mexico Tech," that tidy and competent campus down in Socorro — and at the same time wonder why it isn't a bigger school.

Founded in 1889 as New Mexico School of Mines, it educated generations of mining engineers even as it broadened into science and engineering programs, and by the middle of the last century it was calling itself New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. Its petroleum-engineering offerings fitted in well with our state's emergence as a major gas-and-oil producer.

Tech also grew academically with minors in history, philosophy and Latin American studies, while growing in the technical fields with offerings in astrophysics, atmospheric physics and information security, and research into homeland-security fields. It's techie heaven, a place where a degree is lots more likely to land a job than a B.A. generalist is likely to get in today's difficult job market.

Still, the student body remains relatively small: 2,000 or so, counting undergrads and grad students.

But now it looks as if word's getting out about Tech: Twice as many applications are in, as of mid-February, for this fall's freshman class. For that, school officials can thank not only targeted e-mails and other electronic marketing tactics, but also participation in online "college fairs" and working agreements with various community colleges.

At the moment, things are looking so good that university president Daniel López wonders how the school will handle a bigger bunch of students. But the new sign of popularity should give Dr. López plenty of impetus in spite of tight economic times.

With growing interest in "green" energy should come greater challenges — and opportunities — for course work and degrees giving our state's youngsters a boost into better-paying jobs here in New Mexico.

In all, exciting times for Tech; we wish its students, faculty and administration well in making the most of them.