Officials with Kentucky State University say they've pushed past the biggest budget deficit in years and balanced the budget by hiking tuition, imposing a hiring freeze and dipping into reserves.

The school's Board of Regents unanimously approved the $61.8 million budget for the upcoming school year during a special meeting Monday.

The State-Journal reported that the overall budget is $3.2 million more than the current fiscal year.

Employees won't receive raises, and hiring will freeze except for essential positions.

The plan could also rely on using up to $2.5 million from reserves and rollover funds to balance the budget.

In-state students will pay $254 per credit hour for up to 12 hours. Each credit hour beyond that costs $127. Out-of-state undergraduates will see an increase from $581 to $610.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)