LEE COUNTY, Fla -- Florida Gulf Coast University is on the proverbial chopping block. The school is facing millions of dollars in budget cuts while facing an increase in tuition of %15.

It's a nightmare scenario for the school's administration and students.

The state House of Representatives has already adopted its budget. The proposed Senate budget cuts state funding for all universities by $400 million.
Students watching this are concerned, and many say if tuition continues to increase they're going to feel the strain.

Freshman Jazmin Lawrence says any increase in tuition would pack a major punch to her family. "I come from a low income family. My mom's a single parent, so it would be a big issue for me," she said.

Other students say it would be life-changing. "Probably make me have to change schools due to a raise in tuition," said freshman Morgan Lanoue.

"College students, you know, money is hard to come by," said sophomore Michael Adetu.

State representatives suggest a %15 tuition hike for in-state undergraduates
with an 8% hike for out-of-state students and graduates.

Along with the tuition hikes comes a cut of almost $6 million.
The state Senate's proposal has the same hike for tuition, and a slash in the budget of almost $3 million.

It's becoming a familiar battle for universities across Florida.

"This will be the fifth year in a row that FGCU along with the other state universities has experiences pretty significant operating budget cuts," said Chief of Staff Susan Evans.

In a time where the entire state budget is strained and schools across the board affected, many like Men's LaCrosse President Tommy Twyford wonder what's going to happen with students and with school programs.

"They're going to be asking more of the players and if that happens I think we might actually loose some guys on the team, so I'm very concerned about it," he said.

At this time, it's not know what programs will be affected as this moves through the legislature. Governor Rick Scott has the final budget approval.

The legislature's session is scheduled to end on March 9th.