Ga. Budget Cutbacks May Force College Tuition Rate Hikes

ATLANTA - There are new waings that state budget shortfalls could result in college tuition hikes.

At the same time, more restrictions may be placed on the Hope Scholarship.

Students crowding back onto college campuses after the snow and ice storm now face a growing financial storm involving tuition and the popular Hope Scholarship.

The university system chancellor says another tuition hike is likely because of more state budget cutbacks.

In his first appearance before legislative budget writers, newly-inaugurated goveor Nathan Deal waed again that the Hope Scholarship will have to be changed or it will soon use up its financial reserves.

Goveor Deal said while there are signs of economic improvement, state agencies must still absorb another round of spending cuts -- 7 percent in next year's budget -- when the state will face the loss of federal stimulus funding.