BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Sandy Ochoa knows firsthand school isn't what it used to be. She had no problem getting into Cal State Fullerton 20 years ago, but when she tried to go back to school last year, she couldn't get in.

To deal with the state budget crisis, CSU schools have been required to limit enrollment. Ochoa was able to get into Cal State Bakersfield. However, between increased tuition and furloughs, she said she doesn't feel like she is getting a good education.

"For me, I'm here to learn and you know it's different coming back to school, you're paying a lot of money you want to learn. But I feel like I got a little gypped, I guess as far as probably missing out on a good week of school," said Ochoa.

The CSU system is facing $564 million in cuts in the upcoming academic year. As a result, enrollment system wide will decrease by 40,000 students in the next two years.

It's discouraging news for CSUB which is seeing record high enrollment numbers.

Enrollment is 62 percent, with 8,200 students attending the fall quarter, according to school officials. But for the 2010-2011 school year, the university will be required to reduced their enrollment by nearly 500 students.

"It's really a challenging time because you are on such a dynamic and great opportunities for this campus and then all of a sudden you are reeled back in," said Kathy Miller, director of public affairs for CSUB.

So they don't have to turn away students, Steve Watkin, director of outreach for CSUB, says put in that application as soon as possible.

"In years past, we may have been second or third choice, but I'm noticing this year we are the first choice. So we are really having students apply during the priority filing period," said Watkin.

That priority period is now until Nov. 30. They will stop accepting applications March 1.