CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Board of Regents has approved a 4.2 percent tuition increase for undergraduates.

The proposal passed by a vote of 6-2.

Regents who voted for the tuition increase say the money is an investment during troubled economic times, and needed by the universities.

The increase will hit Iowa’s two largest public universities hardest. Iowa and Iowa State will face a 4.6 percent increase, while Northern Iowa will face about a 4.1 percent increase. The increase means each student will pay about $300 or less per year.

Opponents to the proposal, including Regent Michael Gartner, say increasing costs will make it harder for families to send their children to college. Gartner says he supports a tuition freeze.

The Regents discussed to proposal for about 90 minutes before voting.