Pa. universities face steep cuts in budget plan

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania’s public colleges and universities are again facing the possibility of steep cutbacks in their budgets next year. And college students could receive less financial aid.

The state budget proposed today by Gov. Tom Corbett seeks to cut $330 million, or 20 percent, from 14 state-owned universities.

Corbett also wants to reduce aid to Penn State, the University of Pittsburgh and Temple University by about 30 percent.

Community colleges would see a 4 percent funding decrease. And the state agency offering financial aid to students would see a 6 percent cut.

Corbett’s budget proposal must still be approved by the state Legislature.

Last year, the state-owned and state-related universities had their budgets reduced by about 20 percent. Community colleges were cut 10 percent.