Miami Dade College once took in all the huddled masses yearning to learn but cutbacks are forcing the big school with low requirements to turn away prospective students.
Once upon a time a high school diploma or equivalent was enough to get you through the door, but times have changed and with $21 million slashed off the budget in the last two years, the nation's largest college is getting selective
In addition to increased admission standards, cutbacks are coming in the form of nearly 200 jobs cut and a host of student services getting the axe.
"I'm very worried," said second year MDC student Findia Pascal. "I have some paperwork to turn in and then that way they can determine if they're going to help me as much as they were."
Enrollment will be capped for the first time at the institution that boasts over 140,000 students across its eight campuses, and faculty are urging current students to register for classes early to ensure spots in classes.
"This majorly impacts people who are low income, who use the college as their only opportunity, as their only door to a better life," said Juan Mendieta, Director of Communications at MDC.
Officials say they're out of options after a sales tax measure that would have infused the school's budget died in the State House of Representatives.
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"This is my last semester, hopefully I've already paid for my class," student Valerie Desir said. "But I'm worried about the future students."
