LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- Students at New Mexico State University said they are starting the new school year with fewer dollars than they did last year, because summer jobs were hard to find.

They said gas prices have cost them jobs because more non-students are working two.

Roommates Michelle Filkoff and Kirsten Pickett returned to NMSU as sophomores this year.

Both said they had a difficult time picking up some summer work in Monroe Mich., and in Wesminster, Calif.

“I applied all over Monroe. I applied everywhere, I think for three weeks. I didn't have a job, and then my parents finally convinced me that they would pay my gas money if I would drive out 20 minutes away to go to the job that I had last summer,” said Pickett.

“I couldn't find anything anywhere. I ended up having to go to three different unemployment agencies and filling out paperwork,” said Filkoff.

Filkoff said she worked a total of five assignments for the temp agencies. When asked why she thought it was hard to get a job, she replied, “Higher gas prices. Are you kidding me? My car usually takes about $20 maybe $25 dollars to fill the tank. It's like double now, and I can't even afford that without a job. I may have to get a bike.”

Students who planned farther ahead said it wasn't so bad. Tommy Choi got his golf internship early, and waited for the summer.

“I just found the job last spring semester,” said Choi.

The girls said they were competing for jobs with people twice their age, who were working second jobs.

“I applied at Disney Land and all the local stores. It was just really hard because everyone was applying at the same places as me, people 40 and all this stuff, and I was like wow Pac Sun. It was so many people, said Filkoff.

Security workers at NMSU said there are plenty of jobs on campus the girls could apply for. Still, they feel like they will be competing for those jobs as well.