Students will find their pockets a little emptier during the 2008-09 school year.

The Board of Regents approved an 8 percent tuition increase for in-state undergraduate students today at a called meeting.

The increase amounts to $257 per semester, said Bob Skipper, director of media relations.

The board also met to approve Western’s $329 million budget for the 2008-09 year.

President Gary Ransdell said in a press release that the tuition increase won’t be used to offset the 6 percent budget cuts that were made to postsecondary education earlier in the year.

“The increase in tuition will be used to help cover unavoidable cost increases and to continue limited funding for strategic initiatives such as Honors College, Study Abroad programs, and a continued commitment to regional campuses in Owensboro and Hardin County, all totaling more than $8.8 million,” Ransdell said in a press release.

On Dec. 21, 2007, Gov. Steve Beshear ordered a 3 percent cut, and in April the General Assembly approved an additional 3 percent cut.

The 8 percent increase is a 1 percent difference from Western’s original proposal of a 9 percent increase, which was rejected by the Council on Postsecondary Education in May.

State money makes up 25 percent of the total budget, while tuition and fees make up 40 percent of the total budget.

Resident undergraduate tuition will be $3,465 per semester and nonresident undergraduate tuition will be $8,544, according to the press release.

The budget also includes a $500 increase in the base salary for all full-time employees.

Check wkuherald.com for updates on this story.