By Kristina Goetz
The Cincinnati Enquirer

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS - Northern Kentucky University students may see a 16.7 percent tuition increase next fall - or $624 more annually - if the Board of Regents approves President James Votruba's recommendation.

If approved, the increase would take NKU's full-time, in-state tuition from $3,744 per year to $4,368. School officials say the proposed rate for nonresident students would be $9,312 - up from $7,992 annually - though that increase is subject to change.

"There is no question in my mind that some people will choose not to go to college because tuition is going up," Votruba said. "Don't think for a minute that I like this."

Student government representatives on Monday got a preview of Votruba's recommendation, which will be presented to the regents at their May 12 meeting.

School officials expect NKU's $125 million budget to increase by $13.7 million next year. Roughly $2.2 million of the increase will go toward building academic quality and capacity in areas such as the College of Education, business programs, the school of health. and student retention programs. The university also plans to build up reserves.

The proposed tuition increase would cover about $10 million of the budget increase. The rest would come from fund reallocations and other university funds.

Tuition makes up more than 52 percent of the university's budget.

Student reaction was mixed. But those like Andy Hixson, a junior marketing major from Milan, Ind., say they hope more students will speak out about the lack of state funding.

"The more and more students are willing to voice their opinion and go down to Frankfort to lobby, the better our future is going to be," he said.

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E-mail kgoetz@enquirer.com