University of California May Raise Tuition By 8 Percent

OAKLAND (AP) — The University of California is considering proposals to raise student tuition by eight percent, expand financial aid and reduce pension benefits for future employees.

UC President Mark Yudof offered the proposals in an open letter to California and discussed them on Monday.

He said tuition hike and pension changes are needed to help close a $1 billion budget shortfall.

The UC Board of Regents is scheduled to vote on the measures next week.

If approved, annual tuition for California residents would increase by $822 to $11,124. About one third of the money would be set aside for student aid.

Yudof wants to expand UC's financial aid program so that students from families earning less than $80,000 would not have to pay any tuition.

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