Virginia colleges and universities could face more cuts

RADFORD (WSLS 10) - Significant cuts could be coming for Virginia's public colleges and universities.

In a letter from Governor McAuliffe's office, school administrations were told to begin planning for the liklihood of a 7.5 percent budget cut for fiscal year 2018.

McAuliffe said higher education is just too large a portion of the state's budget for his team not to look at making reductions.

While student financial aid statewide is supposedly exempt from the possible 2018 budget reduction, many students believe tuition hikes and program cuts are sure to follow shortly.

"I think we have a great variety of classes, and I don't want to see that cut down," said Radford University student Kaitlin Booth. "We are a very broad school."

Both Radford University and Virginia Tech leaders said they are not ready to comment on potential impacts.