The board overseeing Pennsylvania's 14 state-owned universities yesterday approved an appropriation request limiting next year's tuition increase to 1 percent if the state approves a 6 percent hike in system aid.

Following yesterday's vote, the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties called the request unrealistic for not including any salary increase for faculty, staff, coaches or campus police. State System of Higher Education spokesman Kenn Marshall said there is no figure because contracts with those unions are still to be negotiated.

The State System's board of governors is seeking a base appropriation of $495.7 million for fiscal year 2007-08, a $28.1 million increase above this year's sum.

The tuition projection for next fall would cover some 109,000 students, including those on the Western Pennsylvania campuses of California, Clarion, Edinboro, Indiana and Slippery Rock universities.

A 1 percent tuition increase would add $50 to the current $5,038 yearly price.