Tuition at the four-year schools in the University of Wisconsin System is set to rise about 5.5 percent for the upcoming academic year.

UW System spokesman David Giroux (zhuh-ROH') said Friday the board of regents is expected to finalize the increase Thursday.

UW-Madison would remain the most expensive school, with tuition rising about $620 to $7,300 a year. That includes a previously approved tuition surcharge of $250.

One year at UW-Milwaukee would cost $6,890, up about $360. The other 11 four-year schools would see annual increases ranging from $220 to about $290.

The increases were recommended by UW System President Kevin Reilly.

The university system is dealing with a number of financial challenges, including more than $250 million in cuts in the state's 2009-11 biennial budget.