BY PRESS TIMES STAFF
MADISON – On March 28, Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman announced his proposal to increase tuition for resident undergraduates by 3.75% during the 2024–25 academic year. A rate that the UW system said is “similar to recent inflation.”
Rothman has also asked for an updated affordability review that is expected to be available this fall.
“The 2022 review found that compared to peers, Wisconsin’s public universities were the most affordable in the Midwest,” the system said in a release.
“To maintain the excellent education our universities provide, I will be asking regents to approve a tuition increase similar to recent levels of inflation,” Rothman said. “Our universities are facing challenging economic realities, and students and parents should know that we plan to be good financial stewards. Maintaining our affordability advantage, especially compared to our peers, is a priority because we want more students to get access to the unlimited opportunities our universities provide.”
“The total proposed average cost of attendance for resident undergraduates will increase approximately 3.8% when room and board costs are considered,” the release added.
“The proposal, which is scheduled to be considered by the full Board of Regents on Thursday, April 4, would increase tuition for the second straight year after 10 years of a tuition freeze.
“Segregated fees will increase on average $74 per year. Seven universities are proposing an increase on top of the 3.75 percent to fund specific needs such as academic advising, financial aid, and faculty hiring in high-demand programs.”
“We know that investing in a degree from one of our 13 universities pays off – not only in career earnings, but also in opportunities,” Rothman said. “Our universities provide an education that opens doors and helps our students discover their potential. Our students are being educated to fill jobs that do not yet exist, which is critical in a world that is changing drastically due to technological advancements.”
Rothman said he announced the tuition and fee proposal now “so that students and parents have adequate time to plan” and encouraged students to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to see if they are eligible for financial aid.
Proposed resident undergraduate tuition, fees
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