The article discusses fears among U.S. private colleges and universities that the state aid they receive may be among the first programs cut as states tighten their budgets. Fluctuations in state spending on private higher education are discussed, as are the types of aid, including money given directly to colleges and grants and loans to in-state students.
Private colleges in Pennsylvania already face difficult finances and unpredictable enrollments as the recession cuts into both their own endowments and what families can afford.