The New York Times have reported how a surge in applications to American community colleges has meant that thousands of students have now had their applications rejected. One students whose application to LaGuardia Community College in New York was turned away commented: “During these times I need some sort of college degree in order to get a job….I was disappointed because it’s a really good college.”

Experts are warning that the increase in numbers could also see academic levels and standards fall. Talking of LaGuardia, the New York Times stated, “a college under stress… Classes now begin as early as 6:45 a.m. The line for the 170 computer work stations in the library can snake around the stacks at lunch time, and the wait sometimes stretches to 45 minutes.”

Over the past academic year, the number of admissions to many US community colleges have soared, by up to 50% at some institutions. For many, community colleges offer an affordable higher education, – which in the midst of recession, redundancies and increased competition for jobs – is an attractive option. Patrick M Callan, President of the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education said: “Most people would agree that this is not a good time in terms of the economic competitiveness of the country to be turning people away…The community college is a second-chance institution for the country.”

The New York Times explained how the “battered economy drove many workers back to school to retool their skills, while others have eschewed a four-year degree in favour of a more affordable two-year programme”.

In previous years, New York’s six community colleges – all part of The City University of New York, accepted applications up until late August and September, however this year: LaGuardia Community College stopped accepting applications in July, the Borough of Manhattan Community College in June and Queensborough Community College in early August.

To read the full report in the New York Times, click here.