PORTLAND, Ore. >> Students attending Oregon’s seven public universities can expect to pay about 5 percent more next year.

A state Board of Higher Education committee voted unanimously today to forward proposed tuition increases to the full board for review at its June meeting.

Tuition and fees vary by university, as do the proposed rate increases.

Under the recommendations, students at the state’s most expensive public university, the University of Oregon, would pay nearly $10,000 in tuition and fees next academic year. Eastern Oregon University would remain the least expensive, with a 5.3 percent increase taking its annual tuition and fees to $7,620.

University officials say the price increases are caused by declining state support and higher costs for health cost and retirements.

Debt-ridden students testified they are reaching their breaking point.