The bad economy hits an Eastern Kentucky college leaving about 40 people with out a job. Pikeville College officials say budget problems forced them to make the cuts.

College administrators say costs went up and money coming in went down, leaving them no choice. They say fewer students are enrolled, so they do not need as many people on staff.

Josh Cullop says he came to Pikeville College because classes are small and he gets to know his teachers. He is upset some are getting cut.

"That's the good thing about going to school here is the classes are not real big and everybody knows who you are. Less teachers, it can't be a good thing," Cullop said.

15 teachers are losing their jobs after this semester. 25 other employees were laid off immediately.

"I think it's awful sad you have to cut 40 people who've been around for a long time," Cullop said.

"These decisions are never easy ones," said Jim Evans, Pikeville College Vice President.

Administrators say they did not want to, but had to. They say the recent stock market plunge reduced their endowment fund plus the college's power, gas, and health care spending all went up, but enrollment went down, leaving less tuition money to pay all the bills and salaries.

"It took us a long time to decide what to do. You have to survive and in a tough time, you have to take some of the actions we did on Monday," Evans said.

We could not talk to anyone laid off, but their students say they hate to see them go.

"A lot of these teachers are willing to work with you and do whatever you can to help you with your grades," said Pikeville College student Antwain Brifford.

"People come here to get an education and when you lose 15 teachers, that hurts everybody all around," Cullop said.

Some worry it will lead to bigger classes and fewer options for classes.

"We're here for the students, and we were attempting to affect our programs to the least extent possible," Evans said.

Administrators are helping those laid off find new jobs.

The college's medical school is not affected. No teachers or employees in that department were laid off and officials say they are not planning any cuts in the med school.