SAN DIEGO -- Classes began Monday at community colleges in San Diego, and enrollment is at an all-time high, 10News reported.

The high enrollment numbers come despite the fact that the San Diego Community College District is offering 600 fewer classes this year.

The latest figures from the district show limited class availability at Mesa College (96 percent full), Miramar College (92 percent full) and San Diego City College (92 percent full).

At City College Monday, many students attempted to crash classes in hopes of being able to officially sign up.

"The classes are busting at the seams," said Rich Dittbenner of the San Diego Community College District.

Thousands of students have been turned away because of the state budget problems.

Student Brandi Parker said, "It's kind of frustrating because I might not get them."

"I doubt they'll give it to me because they said there no seats," said student Moises Rojas.

Fewer dollars for higher education means fewer classes and fewer available seats this semester.

"We've had to cut classes because the state of California has cut funding. We've had to cut, so far, $26 million from our collective college budgets and we're looking to cut $7 million by the end of this academic year," said Dittbenner.

The pain is being felt by many students.

"I tried online over the weekend and it was down; so, I'm going to try," said student Sean Gilbert.

Other students did not know if their classes were even being offered.

"I want to become a teacher, so that's one of the classes I need to take," said student Jameel Penn.

Financial aid is a whole different concern for students, especially with tuition going up $6 per unit on top of expensive books.

"One might think $6 a unit, that's not a bad thing, but if you are taking 12 units, for some students that's very stressed," said Dittbenner.

"Right now, basically everyone is on hold because of the processing and so many students coming in; there's so much money that needs to be sent out. I'm just on wait for my financial aid," said student Sharon Garcia.

The district said they had to turn away about 18,000 students this semester and advise those students to enroll early next semester.