Tuition hikes are set to go into effect for most University of Wisconsin System schools this year. But they won't affect students at two local campuses.

UW-Marathon County and UW-Marshfield/Wood County announced Thursday they are freezing tuition for the 2009-2010 school year.

That means students will pay the same rates they've been paying for the past three years.

"Maintaining tuition at 2006 rates for the 2009-2010 academic year means that the UW Colleges will continue to be the most affordable access point for anyone who wants to start, continue or complete a degree," says UW Colleges and UW-Extension Chancellor David Wilson.

It costs $4,268 per academic year to attend UWMC and UWWC. That's about $1,100 less than most four year schools.

Thursday, the UW Board of Regents approved a 5.5 percent increase at most of their four year schools.

Tuition will go up by $617 at UW-Madison, $359 at UW-Milwaukee and about $280 at 11 other universities.