NORMAN, Okla. - Presidents of Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma say they won't seek tuition and fee hikes for the next year, at least for returning students.

OU President David Boren sent an e-mail to students and a letter to their parents Thursday that announced his intention.

Meanwhile, OSU President Burns Hargis also called for a freeze.

"We appreciate our state leaders' commitment to higher education in the midst of this year's budget challenges," he said in a statement. "We will not be seeking any increase in tuition and mandatory fees for our students."

State regents last week approved a $1.124 billion state higher education budget for the upcoming fiscal year, an increase of about 2.8 percent over the previous year made possible by federal economic stimulus funds. Chancellor Glen Johnson said he hoped the new money would avoid the need to raise costs for students.

Boren plans to make his recommendation at OU regents' June meeting.

"All of us understand that students and their families need as much relief as possible during this time of national economic crisis," he said. "Our board of regents has always sought to keep student costs as low as possible consistent with educational excellence."

Boren credited Gov. Brad Henry and the Legislature for working to help education in the midst of a revenue decline.

Boren also thanked faculty and staff members who are going without pay raises this year.

Boren said OU staff members had cut internal expenses by more than $8 million to offset rising costs in health insurance, utilities, maintenance and other areas.