CEDAR FALLS -- The Board of Regents put the rubber stamp of approval Tuesday on a 3.2 percent increase in base tuition costs for in-state students at Iowa's three public universities.

However, the vote, which was unanimous, was done so with reservations by at least three board members. Regents Rose Vasquez, Ruth Harkin and President Michael Gartner all said they would have liked to see an even lower increase.

"I had hoped the increase could be held lower, to 2 percent, but I realize the feeling of the majority of the board is for the basic 3.2 percent," Gartner said. "I will vote in favor of it in hopes of making it unanimous."

The increase, the smallest since 1980, was first discussed and approved during the board's October meeting.

While all three universities would see a 3.2 percent tuition increase for in-state students, students would see different rate increases when mandatory fees are included.

University of Northern Iowa students will see only a 3 percent overall increase because mandatory fees would increase only 1.7 percent. At Iowa State, a 3.3 percent increase in fees keeps the total increase at 3.22 percent. University of Iowa students will have a 4 percent total increase when an 8.8 percent increase in fees is included.

Contact Emily Christensen at (319) 291-1570 or emily.christensen@wcfcourier.com.