The Cornell University Board of Trustees, at its January meeting in New York City, approved a 1996-97 budget that calls for a 4.5 percent tuition increase for the endowed colleges. The board delayed setting statutory college tuitions because of uncertainty over state budget cuts.

The increase is the lowest since 1965-66, when there was no increase, said Henrik N. Dullea, vice president for university relations.

The 4.5 percent increase sets tuition at Cornell's endowed colleges at $20,900 for the 1996-97 academic year. Currently, endowed tuition is $20,000.

Professional school tuitions and other fees for 1996-97 approved by the trustees are:

• Johnson Graduate School of Management, a 4.5 percent tuition increase to $22,450.
• Cornell Law School, a 4.6 percent increase to $22,100.
• Graduate School (endowed), a 4.5 percent increase to $20,900.
• Undergraduate student activity fees were increased by 12.1 percent and went from $66 to $74. Graduate and professional student activity fees were increased by 12.5 percent, rising from $32 to $36.
• Housing rates were increased by 4.2 percent to $4,200.
• The full-plan dining contract was increased by 4 percent to $2,745.

Provost Don M. Randel said the board will consider statutory tuitions at its March meeting.