BATON ROUGE - A small group of college students rallied at the capitol Friday protesting higher education cuts. They demanded state lawmakers take action in the current special session.

The rally was completely organized by students, about fifty attended.

"I think this is amazing that we were able to turn out this many students for a student led protest in only seven days," said organizer Peter Jenkins.

State colleges are facing $200 million in cuts. Governor Edwards is proposing tax increases to keep college doors open.

Some Republican lawmakers have voiced support for raising taxes but added the universities need to be more efficient.

"What students should understand is there's only so much money for education in Louisiana and we're spreading it very thin," said Sen. Conrad Appel (R-Metairie).

Universities have lost $700 million in state funding over the past eight years.

"We cant just keep cutting and hope we stay afloat," said Jenkins.

Next Wednesday college leaders will host their own rally at the capitol. A similar event last year had over 500 protesters.