LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — University of Nebraska President Hank Bounds is proposing a budget that includes a 2.5 percent tuition increase as well as additional money for financial aid, employee salaries and economic development projects.

Bounds unveiled the package for the upcoming fiscal year on Wednesday. The university’s Board of Regents will consider it at a May 25 meeting.

The 2.5 percent tuition increase was approved by the regents last June as part of a two-year tuition plan. The university’s tuition and fees are still below the average of Big Ten public institutions.

The budget includes $2.5 million for investment in areas where the university can become a national leader. It also offers a 2.5 percent increase in the salary pool for non-unionized employees.

Bounds says the budget will help the university distinguish itself.