Universities In States That Depend On The Energy Economy Are Facing Massive Cuts

Low energy prices are hurting the budgets in states that rely on a healthy demand for oil and gas. Those budget problems are trickling down to public universities.

The University of Wyoming in Laramie is dealing with a $41 million reduction in state funding over two years. In the University of Alaska system, $52 million in state support has been erased from its budget. These cuts are creating fundamental questions about the future of the institutions in states where students don’t have a lot of options for college.

Here & Now's Meghna Chakrabarti talks with Wyoming President Laurie Nichols and Jim Johnsen, president of the University of Alaska system.

Laurie Nichols, president of the University of Wyoming. The college tweets @UWyonews.

Jim Johnsen, president of the University of Alaska system. The college tweets @UA_System.