RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - The Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors approved a 3.87 percent increase in tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students during a Friday afternoon meeting.
The increase - which equals $368 - is the lowest tuition increase (percentage wise) in the last 11 years, according to the university.
After the increase, VCU said tuition and fees would cost an in-state undergrad $9,885 a year. That number increases to $18,633 once room and board is added.
Out-of-state students would pay $23,912 in tuition and fees for the upcoming school year. That is 4.2 percent more than last year.
Pam Lepley, a VCu spokeswoman, said the school needed to raise tuition because of higher constructions on campus, the loss of $63 million in state funding and the hiring of new faculty.
As news of the increase spread, Jessica Ogle, a business major at the school, said she plans to start saving now, so she can afford next semester.
Parents were also not happy to hear about the increase.
In fact, Ginger Jabs, mother of a VCU freshman, said the 16 member Board of Visitors a failing grade for passing along the costs.
Jabs said she feels bad for the next generation trying to get an education.
The increase means Roxanne Baines, a single mother who funds her daughter's schooling at VCU, will have to tackle a third job.
"It will be difficult," said Baines. "At the end of the day when reality hits you, you have to find that money."
