'The cost of athletic programs at Arkansas' public colleges and universities has increased about 7.1% over last year and six universities plan to tap their education and general budgets to help pay for athletics.

State higher education figures show that Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas Tech University in Russellville and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff each will transfer $1.078 million from their education and general budgets to help pay for athletics.

The University of Central Arkansas in Conway will transfer $1.075 million, Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia will transfer $1.05 million and Henderson State University in Arkadelphia will transfer $1.04 million.

Education and general budgets cover everything from professor salaries to building maintenance.

In all, the athletic budgets at the public colleges and universities are expected to grow to $89.23 million in the fiscal year that began July 1.'