The University of Minnesota is defending itself against allegations of wasteful spending.  WCCO reports that a recent Wall Street Journal investigation reviewed growing overhead at the U. and said that the university failed to hold down staff and administrative salaries as tuition costs went up. The report said hundreds of administrators are making six-figure salaries. University president Eric Kaler says the Journal over-counted the number of administrators and salaries.

The issue comes up as the legislature considers the U’s request for $1 billion in funding.

Meanwhile, the University will hire an outside consultant to review its administrative structure and costs. The Pioneer Press reports that news comes a few days after U President Eric Kaler received a letter from DFL legislators calling for the review. In a briefing on legislative priorities, Kaler said he wants to freeze fees and tuition for Minnesota undergraduates.