The problem is so bad that schools like the University of Washington say students graduating from two year colleges will have to get on a waiting list in order to get in.

One community college has come up with a unique solution.

"I believe we have a crisis in access to higher education in the state of Washington," said Bellevue Community College President Jean Floten.

Floten's students have nowhere to go. More than half of BCC's 21,000 students want to transfer to the University of Washington and other four year colleges but can't.

"They've (the University of Washington) let us know they are not able to accept new students until the spring of next year," said Floten.

Business Administration major Alex Feder can't transfer.

"I didn't even bother with it. I didn't even apply to the UW (because) I didn't want to face a waiting list. It's ridiculous to be put on a waiting list," said Feder.

It's supply and demand.

There are too many students but not enough desks, teachers, and classrooms. The UW is filled to capacity. Other state colleges are also crowded.

Floten said the answer may be two year colleges offering a four year degree in select majors, like healthcare and teaching.

"It certainly makes sense to me to explore adding the final year right on site, where clinical relationships exist. We have the classroom space and the teaching faculty," explained Floten.

The University of Washington told KOMO 4 News that offering four year degrees at community colleges is not a threat to the UW. But the state board of higher education must first approve the idea and the Legislature would have to find the money. Until then, students will have to be patient.

"I'm not too against it, whatever, it's gonna set me back, I'm just gonna roll with the punches," said Nick Mayer, a Biological Sciences major.

"I look at this as the wolf howling at the gate because this problem is only going to get greater as we march forward in time," said Floten.

The largest class of high school seniors will graduate in 2008. Floten is anticipating 50,000 new students.