A strong majority of state residents oppose the Legislature’s decision to dramatically cut funding for the University System of New Hampshire, according to the latest Granite State Poll conducted by the UNH Survey Center.

Results of the survey, which included nearly 600 randomly selected adults, were released on Aug. 28. It found that 64 percent of residents oppose the cuts, which have reduced funding for the state university system nearly in half.

The survey also found that 84 percent of residents believe tax dollars should be used to help keep public colleges affordable, and 71 percent favor restoring funds to the university system if in-state tuition rates are frozen at current levels. The number jumps to 81 percent if more funds go toward financial aid for lower income students.

The survey found that 96 percent of residents believe it is important for the state to have strong public colleges and universities, and 89 percent believe the mission of public higher education is to strengthen the economy by providing an educated workforce.

According to a press release about the poll results, the USNH Board of Trustees is expected to vote on Sept. 11 to urge the Legislature to restore funding for the system to $100 million in return for a two-year tuition freeze for in-state students.