WV State University Seeks Tuition Increase

{Charleston, West Virginia}...West Virginia State University officials say layoffs won't be needed to balance next year's budget if a proposed 8 percent tuition increase is approved. Enrollment has dropped by 6 percent since 2006. The school's Board of Governors discussed the tuition increase Wednesday and will vote on the proposal at its April meeting. It also must be approved by the Higher Education Policy Commission. Board chairman Larry Rowe says the university will be able to balance the upcoming budget with the tuition increase, continuing program reductions and an additional $750,000 in state funds. Earlier, the board cut $1.5 million from the current budget and imposed a hiring freeze.