A 5.8 percent increase in tuition has been recommended by the Tuition Advisory, Budget and Enrollment Council at Southern Oregon University. If approved, a student taking a full load of 15 hours would pay an extra $358 yearly.

The cost to attend SOU this year is $2,061 per term not including mandatory fees which amount to $446.

Administration officials say the increase is necessary to fund rising health care and retirement costs, supplement student financial aid, maintain facilities, and cover inflation.

According to SOU President, Mary Cullinan, SOU has the second lowest tuition in the Oregon University System and the increase is in line with what other institutions are projecting.

This would be the 8th straight year for tuition increases at southern Oregon University.