Photo illustration by Michael Uribes

Yesterday, the CSU Board of Trustees Committee on Finance approved a two-step increase in tuition for the upcoming spring and fall semesters.

According to a CSU press release, a 5 percent increase for the spring semester means that undergraduates who have six or more units, tuition fees will increase by $105.

In the fall 2011 semester, an additional $225 will be charged.

“While we appreciate the funding that we did receive in this year’s budget, the reality is our state support is roughly the same as it was five years ago and we have 25,000 more students,” said Dr. Benjamin F. Quillian, CSU executive vice chancellor for business and finance. “In addition, part of the funding we received – $106 million — was one-time federal stimulus money that is being used at the state’s direction to admit 30,000 more students. These students will be on our campuses long after this one-time funding has been exhausted, and we have to ensure that we have the ongoing resources to support them.”

The CSU will request a “buy out” of the 2011-12 academic year tuition increase from the governor and legislation. If enough funding is provided, the CSU could repeal the increase.