Fewer classes mean fewer students.

Chabot College in Hayward and Las Positas College in Livermore combined cut an estimated 10 percent of their offerings this fall because they received smaller budgets from the state government, according to district spokeswoman Jennifer Aries. The California community college system lost nearly $87 million.

The decrease in offerings happened when student fees increased from $11 to $18 per unit. Courses range from a half-unit to five units, but many are three units.

So, to no surprise, enrollment is slipping, and students are finding it harder to receive an education, college officials said.

"You have to be more persistent, and you have to enroll early," Aries said.

One week after registration, 80 percent of classes at Chabot and Las Positas were full.

"Our faculty (members) are trying to accommodate the students," she said. As a result, some class sizes have increased.

Compared to the fall semester last year, the number of part-time and full-time students at Chabot College dipped 5.1 percent, from 15,003 a year ago to an estimated 14,235 this semester, according to Ron Taylor, Chabot's vice president of academic services.

The fall enrollment dip has affected other area colleges, as well. Enrollment at Ohlone College in Fremont decreased 4.7 percent from last year, a college official said. Ohlone eliminated 9 percent of its class schedule. Ron Travenick, Ohlone's dean of enrollment, said the higher tuition may be to blame for the drop in students.

Heavier class loads

The reduced course choices seem to have caused the drop at Chabot, Taylor said.

Although fewer residents have enrolled, Chabot students on average are taking slightly heavier course loads, he said.

The students who enrolled early are taking additional courses.

"Students who are coming later are having a harder time," Taylor said.

Core classes full

The core courses, such as those required for four-year colleges or prerequisites for the required courses, are full. Daytime classes were the first to hit capacity, Taylor said.

There's still another opportunity for Chabot students to enroll.

Select classes, including some in the physical education, psychology and math departments, begin in October and run through December.

More students expected

In the spring, when the California State University and University of California systems are supposed to reduce enrollment, more students are expected to enroll full time at community colleges, said local community college officials.