(Washington, DC) -- State cuts to education programs could mean increased tuition, higher student debt, and fewer classes for one group of students in the commonwealth. Decreased funding has affected veterinary programs at Penn State and the University of Pennsylvania, the only schools in the state with such courses of study. Doctor Bennie Osburn is the interim executive director of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges. He says some schools are cutting back on their large animal veterinary programs, which could affect the quality of farms' meat and dairy products. "Having a well-trained veterinary profession that addresses livestock diseases is critical for being able to continue to produce the protein and milk and eggs and meat that is required," he says. Osburn says the average vet student accrues about $140,000 in debt upon graduation. He says his organization is currently working with the federal government to come up with financial aid for qualifying students.