NORMAN, Okla. (AP) - The University of Oklahoma plans to increase tuition and fees by 7 percent to help offset state budget cuts.
    
OU said Tuesday that the increase will offset about one-third of the estimated $35 million decrease in state funding to campuses in Norman, Oklahoma City and Tulsa. OU said voluntary retirements, salary cuts of 3 percent for top leaders, a reduction of faculty and staff by attrition and changes in retirement programs are also reducing costs.
    
State lawmakers reduced funding to higher education by nearly 16 percent to help fill a $1.3 billion state budget shortfall.
    
According to OU's website , tuition and fees for in-state students taking 30 hours per year is currently $10,090. A 7 percent increase would raise the cost by $706 per year.

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