But many education experts see the recent appointment of former Sen. Paul Tsongas to the chair of the Board of Regents as hopeful sign.

"With Paul Tsongas as chair, the case for higher education will be much stronger," Zoulas said.

Tsongas has already suggested a program that will increase the level of partnership between public higher education and the business community.

Tsongas' plan would bring more executives to state college boards of trustees and more college officials to business boards. The plan would also include a more aggressive effort to solicit community and private sector financial support for education. The program would also tie additional funding for state campuses to their individual performances.

But Tsongas said his program may not have an immediate impact on the current fiscal woes of the higher education system because partnerships need time to develop. The partnerships will, however, provide a long-term solution, he said.

"Right now when it comes to getting funding, we are like a lone ranger out there," Tsongas said. "The momentum that will be provided by local and business support will be a big help at funding time."