VERMILLION, S.D.(WNAX)- As part of the budget passed last week by the South Dakota legislature, the Board of Regents will be able to freeze tuition at state universities for another year.

USD President Sheila Gestring says it was a critical issue.

Gestring says the state will pay for salary increases for university employees.

Gestring says they can tie the tuition freeze with scholarship dollars.

Gestring says extending instate tuition rates to Wisconsin, Illinois and other states will also help boost enrollment.