DAPHNE, Ala. — The United States Sports Academy announced that its board of trustees voted to raise tuition 2 percent for students enrolling for the 2008–2009 academic year, at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels.

For complete tuition information visit the academy’s Web site, www.ussa.edu/index-3.html.

“The board of trustees reviews national economic trends and the academy’s financial condition each year, before setting tuition rates for the coming year,” said academy board of trustees chairman, Robert C. Campbell III, of Mobile.

 “While many institutions in the state implemented large tuition increases for next year, the academy was able to keep costs down.”

In the coming year, double-digit tuition hike percentages are on the way for students at many public and private institutions nationwide. According to the College Board, the average tuition increase at four-year public universities last year was 6.6 percent. In Alabama, the price of a public four-year college education has risen more than 500 percent in the last 25 years. All other consumer prices rose by 140 percent in the same period.

“The academy looked at the uncertain economic forecast and the high gas prices students will be burdened with in the coming year,” said Campbell. “As an online institution, the academy is a great option for students wanting to stay at home and work while pursuing a university degree.”

The United States Sports Academy is an independent, non-profit, accredited, special-mission sports university created to serve the nation and the world with programs in instruction, research and service.

For more information call (251) 626-3303.