An Alameda County judge says California State University campuses may raise the cost of summer school to make academic classes self-supporting.

Superior Court Judge Frank Roesch's ruling today came in response to a lawsuit brought on behalf of students who objected to paying more to supplement their studies during the summer months.

Since the CSU system is a public institution, its courses normally are subsidized with state funds to keep prices down.

But CSU spokesman Michael Uhlenkamp says budget cuts have prompted its 21 campuses to have students bear the costs of offering summer sessions.

Uhlenkamp says the change only affects students taking seven or more units over the summer. They will pay a maximum per-unit surcharge of $80.