"State behind in spending on public colleges; Leaders say more is needed to compete" by Peter Schworm, Globe Staff | August 3, 2008
Massachusetts ranks near the bottom nationally in state spending on public colleges and universities, new statistics show, a shortfall blamed in part for tuition increases and deteriorating campuses.
At $1.1 billion, the state's recently approved annual budget for higher education pales in comparison with that of many other states. North Carolina, for example, spent more than three times that amount last year, and Pennsylvania allocated about twice as much. Alabama, Kentucky, and Louisiana all invested substantially more.
You mean, all those people the average arrogant, prejudiced, Massachusetts resident rips on for being stoo-pid rubes?
Yes, LIBERALS have THEIR PREJUDICES, too, and it is an UNPLEASANT thing to confront, let me tell you!!!!
By two widely used measures - higher education spending as a percentage of personal income and by population - Massachusetts ranks 49th and 46th, respectively, according to the Center for the Study of Education Policy at Illinois State University.
State budget cuts have drawn the ire of federal lawmakers, who agreed last week to penalize states that do not meet certain budget benchmarks. Under the measure - sponsored by US Representative John Tierney, a Salem Democrat - states that do not maintain funding forfeit eligibility for some federal assistance.
In response, public colleges have been consistently raising their charges. This year, a slumping economy and a challenging loan market have made college costs even more daunting for families.
"It hits students hard," said Patricia Meservey, president of Salem State College. "They increasingly bear the burden."
Yeah, especially when they are going to get GOUGED by BANKS!!!!
Please see: The College Loan Gamble
Advocates for increased spending were hopeful for a breakthrough under Patrick. But while he has called for a range of ambitious changes, including making two years of community college free, budget increases for higher education have remained modest.
Yeah, well, we have ALL been disappointed in him, let me tell you!!!
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