
It appears the University of Minnesota is going to be more expensive for new students.
University officials are proposing the school's biggest tuition hike in 14 years. They're citing what they call an "existential crisis" in American higher education.
The proposal includes a 6.5% jump in undergraduate tuition in the Twin Cities and Rochester, plus a 7% cut in academic programming. Undergraduate resident and nonresident rates would increase by 4% on the Crookston and Duluth campuses, and by 5% on the Morris campus.
“The University of Minnesota is not immune to the unprecedented challenges facing higher education. We are making tough, strategic decisions to protect our mission and secure our future,” said President Rebecca Cunningham. “Our best response is to come together in support of the University of Minnesota's mission with a focus on financial sustainability and strategic investment."
Finance leaders blame flat funding from the state and declining federal research funding.
They're also saying Trump Administration tariffs could further add to costs.
"Maintaining the status quo is not an option," continues Cunningham. "Our response to this historic time will be multifaceted as we remain diligent in efforts to limit expenses and thoughtful in formulating new strategies that prioritize our core mission, and assess our assets to best position our university for success for generations to come.”
The Board will accept in-person public comments on the budget proposal during the annual public forum scheduled to begin at 4:15 p.m. on Thursday, June 12. The actual vote on these changes is scheduled for June 18.
"The University remains committed to providing accessible, affordable education," reads a news release from the University. "Even with tuition increases, the actual cost of a degree for low- and middle-income students after financial aid is lower at the University of Minnesota than at any other four-year college in Minnesota."