State appropriations is the first source. But no state has sufficient revenue to do everything they'd like to do in higher education. Universities have to find ways to leverage every dollar they get from the state. I believe that leveraging will come about by framing very effective partnerships with other schools, government agencies and with the private sector. Together we'll find ways to make sure that every dollar that's made available for higher education in this state is used most effectively.
Tuition is the second revenue source for an institution.
It is true that Vermont funds higher education at a much lower level than Montana does. When the state steps back a little bit and the costs continue to increase, you have to increase tuition. Here, I think there are some opportunities for Montana State University. Our alumni have created an absolutely fantastic intuition. It's extremely easy to sell to prospective students and their parents as a high quality institution.