PORTLAND, Ore. >> Students will be paying an average of 5 percent more to attend Oregon’s seven public universities next academic year.

The state Board of Higher Education approved higher prices Friday after hearing complaints from students struggling with money and debt.

Those attending the most expensive public university, the University of Oregon, will pay $9,852 in tuition and fees next academic year, a 5.8 percent increase. Five years ago, students paid about $6,500.

Eastern Oregon University remains the least expensive, with a 5.3 percent increase taking annual tuition and fees to $7,620. Portland State University and Southern Oregon University are also just below the $8,000 threshold.

Tuition and fees at Oregon State University will jump 4.5 percent, to $8,502.

Though bad news for students, the increases approved today are the smallest since 2008-09. Tuition went up 6 percent last year and 7.5 percent in 2011-12.