HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - The Board of Regents for Higher Education has approved tuition increases at the four Connecticut State Universities and Charter Oak State College.

Connecticut State Colleges and Universities President Mark Ojakian says Thursday's unanimous vote was not taken lightly, calling tuition increases a "last resort."

Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont's budget proposal does not increase state funding for the higher education system and only provides partial coverage for state employee pay increases. Without additional money, the universities are expecting an approximate $20 million gap.

The board has agreed to increase tuition for CSU students by 5 percent, while mandatory university fees will be held flat. Room fee increases will be capped at 2.5 percent.

Tuition for Charter Oak students will increase by 2.9 percent and fees will increase by 4.2 percent.