The Coastal Carolina University Board of Trustees has approved a projected $62.5 million total budget, including a $38.7 million operational budget, for the 2002-2003 fiscal year during its quarterly meeting.

As part of the budget plan, the board approved a tuition increase, effective for fall 2002. In-state tuition will increase $290 per semester, from $1,885 to $2,175, a rise of 15.38 percent. Out-of-state tuition will increase $540 per semester, from $5,340 to $5,880, a rise of 10.11 percent.

In May the board approved an $80 per semester increase in room, board and health service fees, from $2,725 to $2,805.

The board reelected officers for the 2002-2003 academic year: Clark Parker, chair, Larry Lyles, vice chair, and George Williams, secretary.

The next meeting of the board will be held Friday, Oct. 18 at 9 a.m. in the Wall College of Business Board Room.