TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) - The price of a college tuition is already staggering, but according to a new report from University of Alabama researchers, students and families are about to take another hit in the wallet.  According to the study, higher education is the largest discretionary item in state government budgets.  If state revenues don't recover and the unemployment rate remains stagnate; higher education is a likely first target for possible cuts.  Unfortunately for students, nationwide, tuition is one of the only ways many that many public higher education institutions have to supplant budget short falls.  The study predicts that tuition will raise twice by the rate of inflation in the next year.

The report is based on an annual survey of directors of community colleges.  Researchers believe that these directors provide a view from 50 thousand feet into higher education by offering statewide views of access and finance for community colleges, public regional universities, and flagship universities.

Researchers say there have been small signs of recovery from the recesssion, but not enough to slow the rising cost of tuition.  "

"I predict that students will see tuition prices climb next year," explains the study's co-author, Steve Katsinas.  "I wouldn't be surprised if they climbed the next year as well. '