Unless you're graduating this spring, you may have to cancel your spring break plans at the last minute. You're going to need the money.

Penn State President Graham Spanier announced Tuesday that tuition is going to increase, and it's going to increase by a lot. "I think there is no question that we would be looking at a double-digit tuition increase," Spanier said. To Spanier's credit, the university isn't in favor of such a drastic increase. But it may not have a choice.

The reason for the expected tuition hike is Gov. Mark Schweiker's proposed budget, which would cut Penn State's state funding by 5 percent if it passes the legislature. Spanier pleaded for help to the state's Senate Appropriations Committee, and he thinks he found a sympathetic ear. Unfortunately, the committee likely won't have the power to stop the 5 percent cut in Penn State's state funding.

"I felt a strong sense of appreciation for what we were saying," Spanier said. "The only question is, what realistically can they do?" Realistically, not much. So Penn State has to find an alternative to a double-digit tuition hike. This is a state school, not Harvard or Duke. Pennsylvania residents cannot be asked to pay so much for an in-state education.

Besides, the proposed tuition hike runs counter to some other recent actions by the university. For example, the University Faculty Senate has recommended shortening the Fall Semester from 74 days to 72 days. Thus, Penn State students would be paying significantly more for less education.

Meanwhile, Spanier said Penn State would be laying off about 100 employees. That means the university has about 100 fewer salaries to pay. And if those employees have children attending Penn State, that's about 100 parents who can no longer pay for their children's education.

With the United States economy in recession, asking students to absorb the bulk of the 5 percent state allocation cut is inexcusable. Many students work full-time jobs while attending Penn State to pay for their classes. Now more will need employment to handle the tuition increase, and the jobs they need are not available.

The Daily Collegian understands Penn State's plight and sympathizes with the university. But a double-digit tuition increase is not an acceptable response.