Tuition increases 3.5 percent for next academic year

The Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees approved the administration's financial proposals, including undergraduate tuition and room and board, according to the university.

The tuition for the 2015-2016 school year will be $41,794, which is a 3.5 percent increase from last year's tuition. The increase represents the smallest tuition increase for the university in 49 years.

There was a 4.5 percent increase for the 2009-2010 school year. The rate of the increase has been steadily declining over the past six years.

Room and board rates vary by room and meal plans, but they will increase by an average of 2.9 or 3 percent.

The budget also accounts for a 7 percent increase in the graduate assistant minimum stipend, which the Graduate Student Organization and other student groups had advocated for.

According to SU News, the budget will provide improved infrastructure for research and an accelerated plan for residence hall improvements.