The results of tomorrow's elections could not only affect students' tuition rate, but could also impact a student's ability to find a job post graduation.

While both candidates in the senate race share the goal of improving Pennsylvania's student funding, they have two different approaches to achieve their goals.

"[Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.)] is dedicated to the success of Penn State for future graduates," Virginia Davis, Santorum's press secretary, said.

In his years as senator, Santorum has increased Pell Grants, a form of federal student aid granted to undergraduate students, by 47 percent, Davis said. Santorum supports tax-free college tuition savings plans and new financial aid for students in math, science, and engineering fields, she added.

Davis said the senator's goal is to provide students with the tools needed to attend more affordable colleges and study in their desired field, therefore eliminating a portion of their monetary concern.

Aubrie Corey (senior-human development and family studies) said though loans make college more affordable, students still need to worry about paying them back.

Santorum's plan would also bring the ability to make decisions back to a local level and better prepare students for college financially and mentally, Davis said.

Democratic candidate Bob Casey intends to increase grant money to college students, College Democrats spokesman Eliot Schmidt, said. Casey wants to help seniors graduate with less debt and enter into a better working economy, he added.

Schmidt said Casey plans to improve the economy, work to raise minimum wage, and supply a better job market for graduating seniors.

"He wants to keep college affordable," Schmidt continued.

The gubernatorial race between Gov. Ed Rendell (D-Pa.) and Republican challenger Lynn Swann is also a race that could impact students.

"[Gov. Rendell] is concerned about the rising cost of college," said Schmidt.

Lindsay Gorman (senior-biobehavioral health) agreed that the tuition is too high.

Penn State's current in-state tuition of $11,646 is the highest in the nation for public schools. According to the College Board's report "Trends in College Pricing," the national average for public school tuition is $5,836 per academic year.

"I'm glad I don't have to stay here another year," she said.

Schmidt added, the governor has a track record of strong support for education from preschool to college can hopefully continue this trend in the next few years.

According to Swann's election Web site, Swann wants to ensure that educational investments are being made in the classroom rather than toward administrative costs. Swann's campaign team could not be reached for comment.

Despite recent polls suggesting that Casey and Rendell are leading in their respective positions, Davis said the Republican campaigns are not worried.

"Senator Santorum has made a great effort in terms of voter turnout that could result in several points and we have made over 380,000 voter contacts through door knocking and over the phone," she said.

Schmidt said, because Pennsylvania is split between Republicans and Democrats, the senatorial and gubernatorial races are crucial.

"Pennsylvania is absolutely important as a swing state," Schmidt said.

Casey's campaign could not be reached for comment.