Higher education funding impearled by budget woes

SPRINGFIELD — Federal officials say money for research, financial aid and work-study programs would be cut if automatic budget cuts set to kick in on Friday aren’t averted.

Potentially at stake at the University of Illinois’ three campuses is about $42.8 million, $33 million of which finances research over a wide range of subjects. Spokesman Tom Hardy says the money represents less than 1 percent of the university’s $5.4 billion operating budget.

Spokesman Paul Palian says Northern Illinois University could see a loss of about $2.7 million in research funding and $85,000 in financial aid and work-study funding.

Officials at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston say they stand to lose only about $450,000, about 8 percent of the $5.6 million in federal money the school receives.