Funding cuts shock US colleges

Insiders warn of wasted research, reduced admissions, risks for academic freedom

Gracie Hines, a senior at West Virginia University, was looking forward to working on her PhD in pharmaceutical research at the school this year. She was already admitted.

Then, she got an email that her admission had been rescinded due to federal budget cuts.

"I got my dream taken away from me today," she posted on Facebook on March 3 along with a screenshot of the notification. "I am confused and heartbroken. I have no idea what to do next."