University of Hawaii students will see a smaller increase in their tuition bills for the 2015-16 school year than previously anticipated.

The UH Board of Regents voted Thursday to reduce planned tuition increases by 2 percent to 3 percent at each campus. The board approved a five-year tuition plan in 2011 that called for 7 percent increases in 2015-16 and 2016-17.

For students at UH Manoa and most students at the state’s seven community colleges, the rate increase will be 5 percent instead of 7 percent. UH Hilo and West Oahu will raise tuition by 4 percent instead of 7 percent.

“The UH administration is very focused on cost containment and improved efficiencies,” UH President David Lassner said in a press release. “I thank the legislature and our campuses for working extremely hard to ensure that high-quality public higher education in Hawaiʻi remains available and affordable for all.”

Undergraduate tuition at UH Manoa for Hawaii residents was $1,752 a semester in 2005. This spring, it was $4920.

University of Hawaii students sit during undergraduate degree ceremony held at Stan Sheriff Center. 16 may 2015. photograph by Cory Lum/Civil Beat

Cory Lum/Civil Beat