The University of Mary Washington is increasing its tuition to help offset drastic state funding cuts.

The Board of Visitors at the public university in Fredericksburg voted Friday to increase tuition by $300 per full-time student to raise an estimated $435,000. The increase would take effect in the spring semester and would be prorated for part-time students.

University officials say the revenue primarily would go toward maintaining academic programs and for need-based financial aid. The school also is trimming spending for 2009-10 by more than $2 million in response to state budget reductions announced in September.

It's the first midyear tuition increase at William and Mary in six years.

The college is also eliminating 18 jobs, including 12 layoffs, and cutting its operating budget by $1.5 million.

William and Mary officials say the moves are necessary to offset a 15-percent reduction in state support.

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