Limestone College students will spend a little more than $25,000 to live on campus and attend classes this fall after trustees approved a 5.9 percent tuition increase for full-time day students. This amounts to a $1,400 hike in college expenses for Limestone students during the 2009-2010 academic year.

Tuition will increase from $17,300 to $18,300 over the next year. Room and board will increase slightly from $6,400 to $6,800.

Limestone charges the same amount in tuition for in-state and out-of-state students. This year's total cost is $25,100.

Despite the higher cost, Limestone College President Dr. Walt Griffin noted enrollment is already higher than at this same time period last summer.

"We have already received 75 more deposits from students, which is amazing," Griffin said. "This will be the largest freshman class in Limestone College history. We are on track for 300 new students. Many students have decided college is a good place to be right now, especially with the current job market."

Limestone has increased tuition an average of 5 percent over the past several years. The modest tuition costs have resulted from the increased expenses in handling enrollment growth and the need to keep qualified faculty for its 17 academic majors.

Limestone had 750 students enrolled in its day program last year. This fall's enrollment will be boosted by the addition of 30 students recruited to play for the new field hockey and men's volleyball programs.

"We now have 22 sports. Limestone has one of the more comprehensive sports programs in Division II," Griffin said. "Our coaches have recruited outstanding students from all over the country for the new field hockey and men's volleyball team."