SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's plan to slash funding for colleges and universities has prompted the California State University system to close its application process early, on Feb. 1.

The change affects those looking to enroll in the fall.

That deadline is six months earlier than it was last year.

The deadline impacts incoming freshmen only, and does not apply to transfer students.

CSU Chancellor Charles Reed has told all 23 campus presidents to close admissions early, regardless of whether the schools have met their attendance targets.

Last year's application deadline for the fall was Aug. 10.