Though the University of Wisconsin-Madison consistently ranks as one of the nation's finest state universities, this mark of distinction could very well lose all validity in the near future. As the university continues to receive less and less money from the state, it faces the serious possibility of becoming a de facto private institution. Indeed, statistics suggest that the status of many of the nation's state-financed institutions may be in peril.

According to a New York Times report, revenues from state and local taxes intended for state universities declined to 64 percent in 2004 from 74 percent in 1991. On a micro level, about 25 percent of the University of Illinois's operating budget comes from the state, while that number dwindles to 18 percent for the University of Michigan and a mere eight percent for the University of Virginia, two hallmarks of the state university system.

Eighty percent of our nation's college students attend a state university. With more affordable tuition rates and greater selectivity in choosing and creating a student body than private institutions, state universities have largely contributed to the creation and emergence of what America is today. Yet, with increasing budget cuts and diminishing support from the state, once thriving state institutions find themselves in the midst of an identity crisis.

Due to dire financial straits that our country continues to face because of irresponsible governmental fiscal policy, many states find themselves in the red. With less and less money to spend on higher education, the state has continually asked students to bear more of the financial burden of paying for a college education. In fact, according to the College Board, in-state tuition for students attending four-year public colleges has increased 36 percent from 2000 to 2005.

The quality of education that state universities provide their students also faces serious questions. With faculty members more devoted to allocating time towards research — in hopes of garnering more money for the school — professors will inevitably spend less time teaching. Though research and innovation are fundamental components of a successful university, students deserve professors whose first priority is teaching.

Due to rising tuition rates and an absence of federal funds, Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings decided to form a national Commission on the Future of Higher Education. The commission will examine, among other things, whether our public schools can continue to maintain an equal playing field with foreign nations.

If afforded the opportunity, I would ask Ms. Spellings two questions:

When will our state and federal legislators understand that the ability to receive an adequate education should be deemed a human right? When will they understand that the education of many leads to a successful workforce willing to compete with anyone, anywhere?

Too often, it is the socio-economic status of one's parents that decides whether one will be afforded the opportunity to attend a university or college. Too often, the student's academic performance, competence, and intelligence are devalued. So many of our nation's brightest never receive the innumerable benefits, connections, and memories a college education can afford them because of financial considerations that are not in their hands. This continues to be a national tragedy.

Those of us who had to struggle and agonize over whether or not the benefits of a college education outweighed the literal costs of tuition will undoubtedly face exorbitant debt rates upon graduation. This is a decision one should never have to make at the ripe old age of 17 and 18. A college education must be affordable for everyone.

And though Wisconsin remains one of the least expensive and prestigious state universities in the nation, it continues to become less and less affordable to those in greatest need. Underpaid professors will continue to leave. Administrators will work with an increasingly smaller budget. And the University will face the idea of privatization in order to ensure its survival. Woe to the class of 2030.

Josh Moskowitz ([email protected]) is a senior majoring in political science and journalism.