By Associated Press
Martin, TN – University of Tennessee system trustees have approved tuition increases that raise annual student costs by 12 to 10 percent. U-T Martin students will see an increase of $508. The tuition hikes for the upcoming budget year generates about $53 million and helps support a $1.86 billion budget that spends about $52 million, or 3 percent, less than this year. The budget, approved without dissent on a voice vote, includes $38 million to increase salaries by up to 5 percent for faculty and staff. Board Vice Chairman Jim Murphy said he voted yes reluctantly but the tuition increase is just helping offset decreased revenue. He said the pay raises are needed to make the university's salaries competitive.