Rutgers University's Board of Governors has approved a tuition increase for the upcoming school year.

Rutgers University students call for a tuition freeze
Rutgers University students call for a tuition freeze (Townsquare Media)
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The board approved a budget proposal Thursday that contains increases in tuition, fees, and room and board. Tuition alone will increase 3.5 percent and room and board increases by 1.5 percent.

Budget officials say it's necessary to fund mandatory salary increases and as seed money for projects.

Students testified that college tuition is already too high and many told stories of having to drop out because they couldn't afford classes.

As the board voted on the resolution to increase tuition, students began shouting at the board, drowning out the vote.

Rutgers approved a 2 1/2 percent increase last year. It cost the average in-state Rutgers student $13,073 in tuition and fees.

 

(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved)

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