Several of our senior colleges and universities are regularly listed as among the best, although several others have been dropped from national lists because of the limited financial support they receive. Over the past six years, higher education's portion of the state's general fund has decreased from 16 to 12 percent. We think it is important that higher education not be permitted to sink below 12 percent of the state's general fund. Notwithstanding pressures on the state budget from mandated programs, the need for increased state support for higher education should be recognized. The colleges and universities agree with the Council's recommendations.
Tuition has to go up to provide the necessary operating support.
We don't want this to happen. We need to take a breather from large tuition increases. We know the debilitating effect high tuition will have on families and students. Increased general fund support means smaller tuition and fee increases to pay for the operations of our colleges and universities. We also understand the fiscal pressures on the Commonwealth and accept our responsibility to be accountable to Virginians.