UW System tuition increase proposal; see cost for each campus
MADISON, Wis. - Tuition at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and other campuses in the system would increase 3.75% under a recommendation announced Thursday, March 28 by UW President Jay Rothman.
The proposal is up for a vote of approval by the UW Board of Regents on April 4.
Essential, not excessive. That's how the president is describing his proposal to raise in-state tuition.
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This would start as soon as this fall.
UW System President Jay Rothman
Rothman said the 10-year tuition freeze, stagnant state funding and inflation leave him no choice.
"It's not allowing us to advance," he said. "It's keeping us on par with the inflation that all of us have felt, including our universities."
He said the increase would net $39 million, which in turn would help offset budget crises across the system. Ten of the 13 campuses are currently operating at a deficit.
Madison, Stevens Point and Stout are the exceptions.
"At the end of the day, just like a family can't spend more than it brings in, our universities have to be in that position," Rothman said.
The increase would come as cuts have already happened. UW-Milwaukee is closing its Washington County campus this spring. Next year, it will do the same in Waukesha.
Even with the increase, Rothman touted the value of a UW education.
He said the system is still committed to making college accessible.
"I appreciate that there are concerns around costs, but I think when you compare us to other universities, we are still a terrific value and a great investment for any student and their parents," the president said.
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Rothman said he'll ask the Board of Regents to also increase out-of-state tuition.
Proposed resident undergraduate tuition and segregated fees for each university in 2024–25 are as follows:
- UW-Eau Claire: $9,643
- UW-Green Bay: $8,700
- UW-La Crosse: $9,896
- UW-Madison: $11,604
- UW-Milwaukee: $10,398
- UW Oshkosh: $8,532
- UW-Parkside: $8,271
- UW-Platteville: $8,425
- UW-River Falls: $8,824
- UW-Stevens Point: $9,049
- UW-Stout: $9,386
- UW-Superior: $8,813
- UW-Whitewater: $8,406
When room and board costs are factored in, the average cost of attendance for resident undergraduates would increase about 3.8%.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.