Tuition increases proposed for the Universities of Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. — It may cost students more to attend the Universities of Wisconsin starting this fall.

Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman proposes to increase tuition for all resident undergraduates by 4% at all universities, with an optional 1%additional for a maximum of 5 percent.

So far, all universities except UW-Green Bay plan to adopt the additional 1 percent if the proposal is approved by the Board of Regents. UW-River Falls is seeking an additional increase as part of an ongoing effort to support student success initiatives, which would bring its resident undergraduate increase to 5.8%.

“Preserving quality while maintaining our ability to be a leader on tuition affordability in the Midwest is a top priority,” Rothman said. “After a decade of a tuition freeze and lagging state aid, we believe we have struck a balance for students and families with this proposal and the recent state investments in the UWs as part of the 2025-27 biennial budget.”

The proposed tuition increases come after the state’s biennial budget includes a funding increase for the Universities of Wisconsin of approximinately $256 million dollars, earmarked for specific initiatives. State funding represents approximately one-fifth of the UWs’ total revenues.

“Thankfully, the Governor and legislature approved a significant budget increase, the largest in over two decades, which enables us to preserve access and affordability,” said Rothman. “Our public universities have become tuition-dependent due to lagging state funding in prior years, and the turnaround this budget cycle will help us continue providing educational opportunities to the next generation of Wisconsinites.”

The proposed resident undergraduate tuition and segregated fees for each university in 2025-26: