<p>Christian2,
Thanks for joining our discussion. That is certainly a valid question considering the bleak news we are hearing from some states about significant cutbacks in education spending.
Luckily, the state of Arkansas had weathered the economic storm very well and there has been no significant effect on the University’s funding. Mid-year budget adjustments on the state level resulted in a $10 million reduction in the university’s state appropriation, but thanks to generous alumni (a record year for us in overall donors), a gift from our athletic department, and pre-emptive cost saving measures from the divisions on campus and the chancellor, no furloughs, layoffs, or program cuts were made.
A recent independent report listed Arkansas as one of the three states poised to make it through the next year of the recession with no cuts to educational funding. We are truly fortunate to be in a state with a stable economy and leaders that understand the importance of college funding. You can read the report here: [Most</a> Public Colleges Face Budget Cut Threats in 2011 - US News and World Report](<a href=“http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/paying-for-college/2010/07/12/most-public-colleges-face-budget-cut-threats-in-2011.html]Most”>http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/paying-for-college/2010/07/12/most-public-colleges-face-budget-cut-threats-in-2011.html) </p>
<p>I how that answers your question, let me know if there is anything else I can help with.
-Matt</p>