BURLINGTON, Vt. -
Most University of Vermont students are home for summer.
When they return this fall they'll probably pay more for their education.
UVM trustees are set to pass a 3.5% tuition increase.
That's lower than the average 6% students had been paying each year for more than a decade.
"I think most students aren't going to fully realize that it's lower but when they do they're going to be happier about it," said UVM student Nathanial Ward.
"Lots of people talking about all the student debt issues going around so hopefully this can alleviate that a little bit," said UVM student Richard Cate.
Right now tuition for Vermonters is more than $13,000, out of state students pay more than $33,000.
If the increase passes, everyone would pay hundreds more, but it's a lot less than what they normally would have to pay.
"That hasn't happened very often," said UVM Finance & Administration VP Richard Cate.
UVM leaders say the smaller increase came after hearing from a number of students about the out-of-control costs for higher education.
Another reason is financial aid.
University officials say during the recent recession a number of students were applying for it but they say that's not the case anymore and they can allocate those resources elsewhere."
The UVM board will vote on the plan Saturday.
Some students say they hope the smaller tuition increase isn't a one-time deal.
"Hopefully it will keep going down," said Snowdan.
