A legislative conference committee has approved a North Dakota higher education budget that includes about $31 million in financial aid and caps on tuition.

The $794.9 million package has about $19 million to help low-income students from North Dakota, an increase of about $13 million. Gov. John Hoeven had asked for $39 million in so-called needs-based grants.

The bill includes $1 million for a loan forgiveness program and $3 million in merit scholarships.

The tuition caps are projected to save students about $8 million. The state Board of Higher Education will decide if that includes a tuition freeze at two-year schools.

Lawmakers included $800,000 for Valley City State University to help offset enrollment losses. The campus has been shut down for several weeks because of flooding in Valley City.

- Associated Press