Fuzzy math, Illinois State University's president called it. "Political theater of the worst sort," said the University of Washington's head.

◼ College presidents pan Obama cost-control plan - AP/NY Post

President Barack Obama's new plan to force colleges and universities to contain tuition or face losing federal dollars is raising alarm among education leaders who worry about the threat of government overreach.

Particularly sharp words came from the presidents of public universities; they're already frustrated by increasing state budget cuts.... At Washington, President Mike Young said Obama showed he did not understand how the budgets of public universities work.

Young said the total cost to educate college students in his state, which is paid for by both tuition and state government dollars, has gone down because of efficiencies on campus. While universities are tightening costs, the state is cutting their subsidies and authorizing tuition increases to make up for the loss.

"They really should know better," Young said. "This really is political theater of the worst sort."