Kent State’s tuition will increase by 3.5 percent effective Fall 2011.

University officials released a media statement Thursday afternoon announcing the changes. The announcement comes after the Ohio General Assembly passed the state budget Wednesday.

The new budget, which Governor John Kasich is expected to sign Thursday, provides Kent State with $16 million less in funding from last year’s budget. The 3.5 percent increase is the maximum allowable increase set by the state and Governor Kasich.

President Lester Lefton and Provost Robert Frank had previously stated in March and April they weren’t keen on raising tuition, but an increase would depend on how much the state planned to cut funding for higher education.

Undergraduate tuition for students at the Kent Campus will increase $158 per semester while graduate tuition will increase $168 per semester.

Keep following KentWired for updates on the tuition increase and the state budget.