Higher ed commissioner critical of cuts

The state's higher education commissioner says continued cuts to public colleges and universities are forcing institutions to choose between affordability and quality while "placing the future of the state in jeopardy."

Commissioner Richard Freeland criticized state legislators yesterday (Wednesday) for cutting funds to the state's 15 community colleges, state universities and the five-campus University of Massachusetts system at a time of increased student demand.

Freeland said Massachusetts has made some of the deepest cuts to higher education in the nation. State appropriation for public higher education has dropped an additional 12 percent since last year, in what he calls a "worrisome pattern."

To make up for cuts he says colleges raise fees and reduce staff, compromising quality.

Freeland says if Massachusetts does not start investing in public higher education the economy will suffer.