Because of expected budget cuts, Washington State University is no longer accepting freshman applications for the fall at its Pullman campus.

“We are trying to strike the proper balance between accommodating the growing demand for a WSU education and protecting the quality of the educational experience those students will receive at a time of limited resources,” said John Fraire, vice president for enrollment management.

WSU, which has received more than 12,000 applications for freshmen, typically cuts off new applications on May 1. The university’s Pullman campus expects to accommodate 3,300 to 3,400 freshmen in the fall. It admitted 3,411 freshmen in fall 2008.

Its Spokane, Vancouver and Tri-Cities campuses are still accepting freshman applications, and the Pullman campus will continue to review applications from transfer students, but is no longer making enrollment offers.

The Legislature, which remains in session, has proposed cutting as much as $683 million from all of the state’s four-year institutions. Gov. Chris Gregoire has proposed to offset cuts by raising tuition.

“Once WSU has more complete budget information, expected by May 1, the university will likely reopen admissions only to transfer students who have already earned their associates’ degree,” according to the announcement by the university.