(RALEIGH) – UNC System president Tom Ross said he’s concerned about difficult decisions that would have to be made if proposed $500 million budget cuts get approved by state lawmakers.

Speaking at a gathering sponsored by NC Policy Watch in Raleigh, Ross said that the system has had continued cuts for the past few years. "Unless something miraculous happens, this will be the fifth year in a row in which the University of North Carolina has received budget cuts," he said.

Ross said budget cuts would likely force public universities to cut down on enrollment, classes, programs offered, faculty as well as financial assistance. He added that the ideals of higher education will be significantly lowered in North Carolina if the UNC schools are no longer able to offer financial aid or low tuition.