Oklahoma Regents chairman opposes tuition increases

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The new chairman of the state Regents for Higher Education says he'll oppose any college tuition increases this coming year.<br/><br/>At Thursday's regents meeting, Jimmy

Friday, December 10th 2004, 6:04 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The new chairman of the state Regents for Higher Education says he'll oppose any college tuition increases this coming year.

At Thursday's regents meeting, Jimmy Harrell noted that students have seen their tuition increase 30% over the past two years and he says some of his constitutents are having to delay college because of the cost.

Harrell says his comments are meant to inform the Legislature and college presidents of his position on the issue.

Other regents say it's too early in the budget process to talk about whether tuition increases are needed.

Last year legislators granted colleges and universities tuition- and fee-setting authority, provided regents don't exceed the average charged by peer institutions in the Big 12 Conference and region.

Chancellor Paul Risser says tuition and fee waivers have increased by more than $10-million over 2003, easing students' costs.