NU Regents approve 2026-27 budget prompting ‘modest’ tuition hike
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN)- Despite getting approved, the 2026-27 operational budget for the University of Nebraska System was not passed unanimously.
Two regents said they could not support it, while several others voting yes but with concerns raised.
“Like many universities across the country, we continue to face challenges related to rising costs, declining state support, and ongoing federal pressures,” said NU President Dr. Jeffrey Gold.
He started the discussion by saying affordability and accessibility are top priorities however a tuition increase and $8 million in reductions are necessary.
“This modest inflationary increase, which averages to be 4.25% over the prior year will ensure Nebraska’s online and in-person tuition rates remain extremely low when compared to peers and other institutions across the country,” he said.
The majority of Regents agreed, but some offered food for thought.
Regent Jim Scheer said he empathized with those wanting higher education but also dealing with rising costs.
“The 4.25% might be modest but if you’re struggling, zero’s difficult, let alone 4.25% and I think we need to be mindful of that,” he said.
“I don’t have another solution for us. We didn’t start inflation. We just have to work with inflation.”
The tuition hike will create about a $12 increase for undergraduate students at The University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
A single credit will go from $291 to $303, and for out of state students, it will be a 40 percent increase per credit.
“I’m afraid we are pricing students out of their opportunity to get an education and that’s not what I came here to do,” said Regent Kathy Wilmot.
“And I won’t be supporting this raise in tuition.”
Overall, everyone at the table made it clear they want the best for the school’s future.
“I just want to say to the students and the faculty, I really wish we had more resources, and I’m doing my darndest to come up with ideas for that,” said Regent Barbara Weitz.
During Thursday’s meeting, the Regents also approved major renovation plans for Sellick Hall; a freshman housing and dining hall.
Those plans are expected to be completed by 2032 and aim to attract more students to the campus aiding in student enrollment growth.
