Rutgers University will freeze tuition and fees for undergraduates for the 2020-2021 academic year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the university board of governors approved Tuesday.

“While tuition and fee increases have been consistently low over the last five years, the board of governors committed to a zero percent increase this year so students and families can access an affordable Rutgers education during this unprecedented crisis,” said Mark Angelson, chair of the board of governors, who was elected Tuesday for a second term.

Rutgers increased tuition and fees an average of 2.2 percent for the last five years, which is typically below average increases at universities in neighboring states under normal circumstances. The resolution approved for the upcoming academic year keeps tuition and mandatory student fees at the 2019-2020 levels.

Tuition and fees help fund academic programs and university services such as academic advising, library services, computing services, health services, counseling and financial aid, as well as provide education to its students.

“As we face extraordinary financial challenges, Rutgers will continue to deliver the highest quality academic programs, research and services without passing on additional burdens during these difficult times to our students,” said Rutgers President Robert Barchi, who is set to retire on July 1 to be replaced by the current provost of Northwestern University Jonathan Holloway.

In-state, full-time arts and sciences undergraduates at Rutgers University-New Brunswick will be billed $15,407 in combined tuition and mandatory student fees. At the university’s Newark campus, tuition and fees for a typical full-time arts and sciences undergraduate will be $14,826, and, at its Camden campus, a typical arts and sciences undergraduate’s tuition and fees will be $15,264.

Housing and dining rates at all three campus locations will also hold at 2019-2020 levels.

Nearly 80 percent of Rutgers students receive financial aid such as need and merit-based grants, scholarships, and loans.

Additionally, the board approved a $4.5 billion budget for the 2020-2021 academic year, a 2.2 percent reduction from the previous year, to adjust for anticipated losses in the next fiscal year through reduced revenues including tuition and fees.

University employees’ pay account for 66 percent of the total budget with the remaining 34 percent allocated for scholarships and fellowships, debt service and operating expenses.

The tuition and fee freeze along with expected enrollment impacts are expected to result in a loss of about $67 million, in addition to the estimated reduction of $88 million in state appropriations which typically account for approximately 10 percent of the university’s total revenue for the year.

The university implemented a hiring freeze in April and limited salary increases to address the budget deficit. Senior administrators had their pay cut, and new capital projects were suspended.

Scholarship and fellowship expenses are expected to increase by $14.7 million to provide students with additional financial aid.