Millions on chopping block for University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University and Washtenaw Community College

But private colleges would stand to benefit from Senate proposal

Proposed cuts to the higher education budget would cost the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University millions next school year.

The moves are being considered today by the Senate Appropriations Committee as part of a plan to cut university and community college budgets 3.1 percent, saving the state $47.8 million, said Ellen Jeffries, deputy director of the nonpartisan Senate Fiscal Agency.

That would mean $10.2 million less funding for U-M and $2.5 million less for EMU.

Students graduate at Eastern Michigan University.

AnnArbor.com | File photo

Gov. Jennifer Granholm had proposed holding the 15 public and 28 community college budgets steady for the state budget cycle that would affect the 2010-2011 school year, but slashing tuition grants for private college students, a move that would affect students attending Concordia University. The Senate wants to restore the $31 million tuition grant program for private college students.

Washtenaw Community College would lose $380,400 in funding under the Senate proposal, Jeffries said.

The Legislature has until Oct. 1 to agree on the budget, though Gov. Granholm has asked that the process be completed earlier. The full Senate could consider the higher education proposal as early as next week.

This story will be updated.