CHAMPAIGN, Ill.– Public colleges and universities in Illinois may be headed for some tough times if the state’s budget crisis continues.

The Champaign News-Gazette reports the Higher Learning Commission says if schools have to suspend operations or close because of a lack of state funding, they could lose their accreditation.

The higher-education accrediting agency says if a closure happens, schools must provide a plan for their students to continue their education somewhere else.