BOISE -- College students going to state funded schools could see an increase in their tuition. That's because the state, while trying to balance their books, is looking to give less funding to the schools. But an increase in tuition will not be the only impact.
Gov. Butch Otter asked each university to cut $15.2 million from their budgets. Even though university presidents are preparing for the worst - they're making their case to keep funding as high as possible.
"But I worry about affordability and accessibility issues as well," said University of Idaho President Duane Nellis.
Putting the sole burden upon students to make up for the cuts is out of the question at both the University of Idaho and Idaho State University, even though both schools say tuition increases are likely.
"They are your primary source of revenue, and they are the primary reason universities were created in the first place," said Idaho State University President Arthur Vailas.
For schools like ISU and U of I, funding from the state makes up just a portion of their budget. Tuition is their highest source of revenue. And with cuts to state funding looming, there are those who suggest the schools raise tuition to offset those cuts.
"Students are our market, and you want to ensure that their impact is the least," said Vailas.
Over the last two days, the Joint Finance Appropriations Committee met with university presidents. Even though Otter is asking for a $15.2 million cut, that committee sets the budget. So whatever happens Nellis and Vailas want to be prepared.
"I think we're beyond the fat. I think the University of Idaho has been a tremendous return on investment for the state and I truly believe we're beyond the fat and starting to cut into the muscle," said Nellis.
Both say the return on investment is too great to be ignored. Nellis says for every $1 his school receives in state funding they give back $9 to Idaho's economy. That comes in the way of more research and alumni starting up small businesses in the state. Both schools giving back in excess of $900 million each year.
"We're really in the business of knowledge, and knowledge is important, not only for students, but it is important to industry. It's also important for government," said Vailas.
Faculty and staff are also being asked to get by with less. Both schools have positions that will remain empty, which will increase the work load for those currently employed. That will also mean larger class sizes for some, and some classes being discontinued.
Boise State is in the same boat as ISU and U of I. They too need to find a way to make due with less.
