UConn official urges 6% tuition hike

STORRS, Conn. (AP) - A University of Connecticut official says the school needs to increase the price of tuition, room and board by 6.3 percent for the 2010-2011 academic year, and a double-digit percentage increase may be needed the following year.

Chief Financial Officer Richard Gray says his recommendation would maintain staffing levels and add some more positions. He says UConn would still have the fifth-lowest tuition costs among peer public universities.

UConn trustees will take up the proposal next week. It would increase costs for in-state students by about $1,200 and out-of-state students by about $2,200.

In-state students now pay nearly $19,800 for tuition, room, board and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $35,400.

Students plan to protest the proposed increases Monday.