CHENEY -- On Thursday, the president of Eastern Washington University gave some strong words about Governor Gregoire's budget proposal.

He says the governor's cuts to financial aid sends a message that only privileged students can go to school.

The proposal released yesterday cuts financial aid for more than 12,000 university students across the state.

The governor openly admits she is not in favor of the proposed budget cuts and would prefer tax increases.

As students head home for the holidays, many are worried that one of the biggest gifts they could ask for, the gift of education, will be taken away.

Eastern says as many as 3,000 students could be impacted by cuts in state financial aid.

Carissa McLellan is among those students potentially impacted.

“Aside from financial aid, I'm awarded I have no help outside of it,” McLellan said.

A.J. Spencer is also a student who relies solely on financial aid for his education.

“The state need grant is pretty much all I have,” Spencer said.

If the financial aid system is gutted, it's students might not be able to go to college. This is something the president of EWU says would be a disaster.

“Now we're saying you can go, but only if you can afford to go,” EWU President Dr. Rodolfo Arevalo said.

“I’m going to be the first one to graduate from a university out of my siblings, and there’s a lot of pressure without financial aid. My job becomes that much harder,” Spencer said.

McLelllan is a first generation college student, much like Dr. Arevalo. In fact, about 50 percent of students at EWU are first generation and it’s these types of students that the president hopes to reach out to and be able to educate.

“Our students are very needy and are the prime students who would be hit by a decrease in financial aid,” Dr. Arevalo said.

“How are we supposed to improve as a state, citizens, without education,” said McLellan.

With record enrollment and record financial aid being handed out at EWU, this is the worst possible time to be talking about cutting.

“Very disappointing,” said Dr. Arevalo.

Even with the grim news, both Spencer and McLellan say they will do everything they can to pursue their dream.

“I’ve always found a way to adapt I’ve spent 3 and a half years here I’m not about to stop now. I’ll find a way,” Spencer said.

The governor will present another budget that includes tax increases in January, which could restore programs like state financial aid.