Minn. students protest cuts in college funding

Minnesota lawmakers for proposals to reduce funding for higher education.

Students at Winona State University and Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical say cuts in state funding will push tuition up even more at Minnesota state colleges and universities. They say students are already taking out more loans and are burdened with greater debt at graduation.

The Project on Student Debt says the average debt for Minnesota college graduates is more than $24,000.

Winona State's tuition has increased 85 percent since 2001, from about $3,100 to nearly $5,800 per year. Student Senate acting president Caitlin Stene says the rising cost may deter prospective students.

Student groups plan to lobby state lawmakers Wednesday in St. Paul.

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Information from: Winona Daily News, http://www.winonadailynews.com