Norfolk State University's Board of Visitors approved the university's decision to hike tuition fees by 5.5 percent and room and board rates by 3 percent for the academic year of 2013-14.
Norfolk State University becomes the first Virginia college to announce new costs for the coming school year, as other college boards will meet next month to vote on their respective proposals.
Starting next year, in-state undergraduates will have to pay $3,619 for 15 credit hours per semester, which is an increase of $189 from the current tuition fee of $3,430.
The raise in tuition fees is attributed to increasing maintenance costs for technology.
The costs for in-state and out-state graduate students are also set to increase, where the tuition fee for out-of-state students will be hiked by 2 percent.
On the other hand, students living in a traditional residential hall will have to pay more than $79 to $115 per semester. The rates can fluctuate, as it depends on the hall and whether it is a single-, double- or triple-occupancy room.
The costs at the Spartan Suites Apartment Complex will be increased by 5 percent, $190 to $236, depending on the room type.
Meanwhile, the average raise for meal plans will be $41 per semester.
President Tony Atwater said that tuition hike was necessary to maintain and improve the university's revenue stream, as the state has instructed them to handle their own costs, including the health insurance.
Similar to Norfolk State University, other Virginia educational institutions have also kept tuition increases to a minimum.
