MINNEAPOLIS — A state program that helps lower-income students pay for college faces a $13 million shortfall, and will fill that gap with funds intended for the following year.

The Minnesota State Grant Program helped nearly 85,000 students meet college costs last year.

But its budget for fiscal year 2010 will come up short, in part because college enrollments are increasing faster than expected.

State Office of Higher Education spokeswoman Barb Schlaefer says it's "tricky business" to project the program's costs ahead of time. But she says all commitments to students for this academic year will be met.

Transferring money from next year's appropriation will mean a future shortfall with fewer grants distributed. The Legislature could approve more funding.

Source:  Associated Press, KFGO News Center