First-tier tuition, which funds the institutions' 25 percent share determined by law, will increase 3.5 percent at nine institutions. The initial increase also covers a 2 percent cost-of-living adjustment and 1 percent discretionary salary increase for faculty and staff, approved by the Legislature.

Second-tier tuition is set by each individual institution, addresses specific needs on each campus and funds such things as compensation, classroom and technology upgrades and student initiatives.

Student fees, which fund activities, intercollegiate athletics and other student operations, are set to go up by an average of 3.49 percent in the coming year. The overall increases are the lowest that students have had to shell out in the past seven years.

"The Board of Regents is committed to improving access to postsecondary education," said regents Chairman Jed H. Pitcher. "We believe that by keeping tuition increases relatively low, we can assist more students as they make one of the greatest investments in their lives."

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