The Cornell University Board of Trustees approved a set of planning parameters for the 2003-04 budget that calls for a 5 percent tuition increase for most endowed Ithaca students at its meeting in New York City Friday, Jan. 24.

The 5 percent increase sets tuition for Cornell's endowed undergraduate and Graduate School students at $28,630 for the 2003-04 academic year. Currently, the tuition is $27,270.

"Despite the significant budget pressures Cornell faces again this year, the administration and trustees are committed to keeping tuition increases as low as possible," Provost Biddy Martin said. "This year's tuition increases will enable the university to maintain the high quality of its programs and the distinction of its faculty in a highly competitive environment. At the same time, we will adjust our institutional student financial-aid allocations so that students and families with financial need can continue to afford a Cornell education."

Ithaca campus professional school tuition and other fees for 2003-04 approved by the trustees are:

• Johnson Graduate School of Management: Tuition was increased by 5.9 percent to $32,800. Summer tuition for the 12-month option was increased by 5.3 percent to $19,900. Two-year tuition for the Executive MBA program was increased by 6 percent to $102,800.
• Cornell Law School: Tuition for entering students was increased by 5.5 percent to $32,970. For continuing students, tuition increased 5 percent to $32,820 for second-year students and $32,200 for third-year students.
• Undergraduate student activity fees were unchanged at $124.
• Graduate and professional student activity fees were unchanged at $50.
• Undergraduate housing rates (double room average) were increased by 1 percent to an average of $5,675. (The 2002-03 fees of $5,621 reflect a separate residential network and Internet connection -- ResNet -- charge of $400, which at the time was not included in the base room rate. The 2003-04 base room rate includes the new ResNet fee of $245. When the two years' fees are compared without the ResNet fees, the base room rate increase is 4 percent.)
• The full-plan dining contract was increased by 4 percent to $3,854.

The board will consider contract college tuition rates in March, after legislative consideration of the state budget in Albany.