MURFREESBORO (AP) — Middle Tennessee State University's Board of Trustees has approved a 2.37% increase in tuition and fees beginning this fall.

The Daily News Journal reports that increase averages to $109 more per semester for students. The increase is expected to generate $3.8 million. Beneficiaries of the new funds will include the campus recreation center, health services, athletics and new academic programs.

The board approved a new bachelor's degree in public writing and rhetoric on Tuesday.

MTSU President Sidney McPhee told the board the school expects to enroll about 8% more freshmen than last year. MTSU also has seen an 8% increase in transfer students.

McPhee said the university is the top choice for Tennessee Promise students transferring from the state's community colleges to a four-year institution.