In a bold and controversial move, the University of Minnesota Board of Regents has approved its largest tuition increase in more than ten years. With a 9-3 vote, the board finalized the FY2026 budget, which includes tuition hikes ranging from 4% to 7.5% for undergraduate students across all campuses. Graduate students aren’t exempt either—they’ll see increases of 6.5% (in-state) and 7.5% (out-of-state).
Alongside the rising tuition, the university plans to cut academic spending by 7%—a decision driven by what leaders describe as a “stark and uncertain” financial outlook. U of M is anticipating a 30% reduction in federal funding and a 3.5% drop in inflation-adjusted state support.
While University President Rebecca Cunningham emphasized that low-income students would remain protected through the North Star Promise program and other aid initiatives, many students and faculty voiced concerns during public hearings about the potential decline in education quality and impact on staffing.
This major budget shift raises critical questions about the future of higher education in Minnesota and how institutions balance financial stability with educational excellence.
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