Oklahoma House Committee approves college tuition bill

<br>OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Tuition at Oklahoma's colleges and universities would increase under legislation adopted Wednesday by a state House committee. <br><br>The measure lifts the current 7% limit

Wednesday, February 12th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Tuition at Oklahoma's colleges and universities would increase under legislation adopted Wednesday by a state House committee.

The measure lifts the current 7% limit on tuition hikes. Instead, the State Regents for Higher Education would be allowed to set tuition and fees, not to exceed an average charged by similar universities in other states.

Higher Education Chancellor Paul Risser, University of Oklahoma President David Boren and other college officials spoke in favor of the measure.

Boren said tuition increases are needed to help colleges balance their budgets. OU has cut its budget by $25 million over the past two years because of a statewide revenue shortfall.

Boren said that even with tuition increases, OU and Oklahoma State University will still have the lowest tuition in the Big 12 Conference.