MINNEAPOLIS — University of Minnesota officials are considering a 7.5 percent increase for nonresident students instead of a nearly 10 percent increase.

President Eric Kaler says he’s recommending that the proposed hike be scaled back after it drew criticism from students and members of the Board of Regents. He says he’s trying to strike a balance between those who argue that the university can afford to raise tuition for nonresidents and those who fear it would scare off prospective students.

The university currently offers the lowest tuition rate in the Big Ten at $20,660. The Board of Regents wants to move to the middle range at about $35,000.

Kaler is sticking by his recommendation to raise undergraduate tuition for Minnesota residents by 2.5 percent.

The Board of Regents will vote on the tuition increases Friday.