In this economic climate, it’s unlikely that the two-year tuition freeze enacted by the state of Ohio will be extended, much to the detriment of Ohio students.

Students certainly understand that the state is struggling with budget problems of its own. Although Ohio’s $1.27 billion cut earlier this year exempted higher education, universities will probably not be so fortunate in the next round of cuts. It would be a huge mistake, however, for legislators to leave students hanging out to dry on something this important. The percentage of Ohioans with degrees still ranks low among all the states, and Ohio has the eighth most expensive state schools in the nation for the 2008-2009 school year — which is actually a slight improvement over last year’s rank, thanks to the tuition freeze.

Ohio University is already working on contingency plans. Even in its best-case scenario, however, the university would face a $15 million deficit. In all likelihood, it will be much more — possibly as much as $38 million.

One option being considered if the state cuts funding and allows tuition increases is a 3.6 percent tuition hike, which would bump up in-state undergraduate tuition about $321, from $8,907 to $9,228. Assuming Athens undergraduate enrollment similar to that this fall — about 16,609 — the tuition increase would yield about $5.3 million.

If OU had demonstrated more fiscal responsibility in the past, such a tuition increase, while painful, would be a bit more justifiable. But at a time when OU builds roads to nowhere, spends money on fire alarm covers, installs unnecessary security cameras in Ping and overpays a certain class of administrators — well, let’s just say a bit of skepticism is warranted. OU needs to demonstrate its commitment to using students’ money wisely instead of making students eat the cost of its mistakes.

Unfortunately, while it’s certainly possible that OU is making wise decisions, there’s no way for us to know, because Budget Planning Council meetings remain off-limits to inquiring minds.
Hint, hint.

Editorials represent the views of The Post’s executive editors.