BOSSES at the University of Bolton are today finalising plans on how much it would cost students to study there in the future.

The university faced a deadline of just before midnight tonight to submit its fee plans for 2012 to the Office for Fair Access.

And bosses have been keeping tight-lipped about the details of their proposals for tuition fees — but have previously hinted they are expected to be £7,000 or £8,000.

A spokesman today said once the final figure had been decided an official announcement would be made.

Nationally, fresh concerns were raised that poor teenagers will be priced out of education as a last-minute flurry of universities announced plans to charge up to £9,000 from next year.

Latest figures show more than two-thirds of institutions — 68 per cent — now plan to charge maximum £9,000 fees for 2012.

And the University of Bolton this week defended its performance in the annual Complete University Guide, after it fell in the rankings.

As reported in The Bolton News, the university is now ranked 114 out of 116, with its overall ranking placing it in the bottom of the North West table.

Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Rob Campbell said there were positives among the breakdown in statistics and pointed to areas where the university could improve.

He added: “The university is dedicated to providing quality teaching and facilities for students.

“We are a small, modern university and treat our students as a name, not a number.

“This student focused attitude is reflected in our solid showing in the student satisfaction section of this league table, which ranks us as the highest in Greater Manchester and one of the strongest in the North West region.

“This league table does highlight areas where we can improve but I can assure our students we will always work hard to develop as a university and enhance our reputation. The welfare and future of our students will always be the top priority of the University of Bolton.”