IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Students at Iowa’s three public universities could see an unprecedented mid-year tuition hike, if the Iowa Board of Regents approves an increase for the upcoming spring semester. Late last year, the Iowa Board of Regents approved a freeze on tuition rates for the third consecutive year. But a regents spokesman says a state funding shortfall could lead to the mid-year increase.

Spokesman Josh Lehman tells Cedar Rapids television station KCRG that the board agreed to the tuition freeze this year with the understanding that their request for a 1.75 percent increase in state funding would be approved. But only a 1.25 percent increase was appropriated.

The regents are set to discuss raising tuition for the spring semester of the 2015-16 school year during an August meeting.