While Gov. Mark R. Warner considers cuts to the state budget which may force a tuition increase at Virginia universities, an American Council on Education survey shows that the public is concerned about the effects of similar cuts on the quality of education at the national level.
The study, which was released last week and only addressed public higher education, showed that 77 percent of Americans view higher education as more important than they thought it was 10 years ago. Eighty percent or more of respondents thought quality public colleges and universities help produce a well-trained workforce, create jobs, enhance research and improve technology.
"The general public believes state colleges and universities provide high quality education," ACE spokeswoman Janetta Hammock said.
In the survey the public also expressed concern over the effect state budget cuts across the nation could have on higher education. Many states have been forced to slash their budgets because the weakened economy has reduced tax revenues.
Of the survey's respondents, 77 percent expressed "a great deal" of concern about the possibility that state budget cuts could hamper higher education.
"They believe that if the school needs to make cutbacks it may reduce the quality of education," Hammock said.
These concerns particularly are relevant to Virginia's public colleges and universities, given the state's current budget crisis.
"Everything that I have seen would suggest that the state of Virginia has extraordinary economic problems," said Leonard W. Sandridge, University executive vice president and chief operating officer.
As the survey indicates, however, Virginia's funding difficulties are not an isolated problem.
Sandridge noted that though there are some exceptions, most states are having problems adequately funding higher education.
Hammock listed some of the public's specific fears, including cuts in courses and major offerings, as well as decreases in financial aid.
"The public is justified in being concerned," Sandridge said.
The survey also found that the public overestimates the cost of a public higher education. On average, respondents estimated the cost of tuition at a public college or university at $11,637, compared to the actual average tuition of $3,754.
"It's possible that could be scaring off some students," Hammock said. "We need to work on getting the message out about what college really costs"
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