AUGUSTA - Maine's community colleges are reporting an 8 percent increase in the number of applications for the coming year. The number is expected to grow over the next few weeks.

Colleges reporting the greatest growth in applications are Kennebec Valley Community College in Fairfield, up 18 percent; Northern Maine Community College in Presque Isle, up 12.8 percent; York County Community College in Wells, up 10.9 percent; and Central Maine Community College in Auburn, up 10.5 percent.

Southern Maine Community College in South Portland has seen a 6.6 percent increase in applications, while Eastern Maine Community College in Bangor is up 1.8 percent. Washington County Community College is down 9.4 percent.

The application numbers aren't enrollment numbers, so it's too early to tell what the enrollment will be at the colleges, CMCC Dean of Planning and Public Affairs Roger G. Philippon said Tuesday.

But he expects enrollment will follow application numbers higher. "We've seen steady growth over last several years," Philippon said. "We're seeing continued interest in a lot of our career and technical programs, and we're seeing significant increases in the number of applications for our liberal arts degree."

One big reason for the gains is the low tuition cost at the community colleges. Tuition cost for a full-time student is about $3,210 a year. Tuition for a full-time student at the University of Maine System is about $7,185.

"Cost and convenience continue to be major factors, especially with the recent increases in fuel costs," Philippon said. "People who live in this area see the relatively low cost as attractive."

College officials attribute the increase to a weak economy and uncertain job prospects. When the economy softens, the state's community colleges typically see an increase in applications and enrollment.

"People who are unemployed or underemployed, high school graduates who are just starting out, and workers who need to upgrade their skills are all knocking on our doors," MCCS President John Fitzsimmons said Tuesday in a statement. "Maine doesn't have an aspirations problem; it has an access problem. We are doing everything in our power to keep the dream of a college education affordable and accessible. The challenge is finding funding to hire more faculty and staff."

Over the past five years, enrollment at the state's seven community colleges has grown by 55 percent, according to the Maine Community College System.