The State System of Higher Education voted to raise undergraduate tuition by 4.5 percent, or $250, for in-state students for 2010-11, but budget cuts still will be needed.

The 14 state-owned universities of the state system will be called on to make a combined $9.5 million in cuts to balance the system's nearly $1.5 billion budget.

The increase will bring undergraduate tuition to $5,804 for two semesters, still the lowest tuition for a four-year college or university in Pennsylvania.

The system includes California, Clarion, Edinboro, Indiana and Slippery Rock universities in Western Pennsylvania.

Steve Hicks, president of the Association of Pennsylvania College and University Faculties, urged the board to adopt a 6 percent increase, which would be $333 a year more.

Mr. Hicks said the system -- which typically balances its budget through tuition increases and cost reductions -- is "resource-starved" from years of cost-cutting. Faculty furloughs are possible on some campuses.

Kenn Marshall, spokesman for the system, said the size of the increase recognizes that families are facing difficult economic times.

While the state system's board of governors received a report on program cuts or moratoriums under way at various campuses, it also approved two new programs -- public policy and international affairs at Bloomsburg and exercise science and sport physiology at West Chester.

The board also allotted $3.2 million in state money for environmental/science initiatives and increased chances for students to study abroad and engage in research.

Another $1 million in state money was designated to improve centralized student services, such as registration and financial aid.

"We are committed to offering high quality, affordable education to our students," board Chairman Kenneth M. Jarin said.

The board set out-of-state undergraduate tuition to range from $8,706 to $14,510, depending on the university and program.

In-state graduate tuition was set at $6,966, an increase of $300, and out-of-state graduate tuition at $11,146, an increase of $480.

More than $880 million of the system's budget will come from tuition and fees. State and federal money total $503.4 million. That includes $38.2 million in federal stimulus funding, which officials do not expect to be renewed in 2011-12. About $62.1 million is from other revenues.

The University of Pittsburgh recently approved a 5.5 percent tuition increase, and Penn State has approved a 5.9 percent increase..

Student reaction to the system's increase was mixed.

"I think so far it's probably necessary for our universities to keep up with what our universities supply us with," said Brent McNulty, 22, of Greencastle, Franklin County, a professional writing major at Slippery Rock University.

Mary Seckar, 19, of Indiana, Pa., who will be a sophomore in elementary and special education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, said, "I think it's inevitable the tuition will go up due to the economy. Schools everywhere are experiencing the same thing. ... I'm not saying I'm really happy with it, but I think it's worth it."

Ben Roberts, 28, of Hughesville, Lycoming County, a doctoral student in English literature at Indiana, said he is concerned about quality, particularly about professors who are not being replaced when they leave and class sizes.

"Make it another $1,000 if it's actually going to improve something," he said.

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