"The cost to attend Virginia Tech increased during a special university meeting Friday, as prospective new students near a decision deadline May 1.

Faced with inflationary pressures and state budget uncertainty, the school’s board of visitors voted unanimously to raise overall on-campus student costs by about 7%, including a 4.9% tuition increase.

It was not an easy decision, said Rector Tish Long.

'This is one of the most important and most difficult decisions that this board has had to make,' Long said. 'This is a very difficult decision, and we did and continue to take everyone’s comments into account.'

Overall costs vary by student, based on scholarships and financial aid received, and whether or not students live on campus, among other factors,” reports The Roanoke Times.

Photo: A group tours the Virginia Tech campus this week. Students will pay more after the school's board of visitors votes to raise costs on Friday.  Matt Gentry, The Roanoke Times.