Proposed increases in student housing prices at Kansas University are the lowest among state universities in Kansas.

KU is requesting an average increase of $156 per year — or 3.1 percent — for room and board for a double-occupancy residence hall with a meal plan. If approved, students will pay $5,152 per year.

Increases at other state universities range from $168 — or 4 percent — at Pittsburg State University — to $336 — or 7 percent — at Kansas State University.

“It’s always been a priority here to run a fairly lean organization,” said Ken Stoner, director of student housing at KU. “As a general rule, our increases have been very moderate.”

Stoner attributed the increases mainly to higher utility rates.

KU has the most expensive room and board rates among state universities in Kansas. The least expensive is at PSU, which will charge $4,334 per year next year.

Still, Stoner noted that KU’s rates were cheaper than the national average, according to a recent College Board report. That report said KU students pay $1,120 less than the average at public universities nationally, and $2,322 less than counterparts at private universities.