WBRZ - Baton Rouge

LSU is touting results of a national survey of college costs showing LSU's in-state tuition and fees are less than similar schools around the country.

Chancellor Michael Martin said in a statement Thursday the survey shows the university shouldn't be afraid to charge more for students to attend the school.

He says that's the way to remain competitive with peer institutions.

The College Board's annual report was released earlier this week.

It shows that in the current school year, average published tuition and fees for in-state students at public flagship universities in the U.S. are $8,353.

By comparison, LSU's in-state tuition and fee cost was $5,233.

Tuition and fee increases in Louisiana require two-thirds approval from state lawmakers.