State universities propose tuition hikes to Iowa Board of Regents

The Iowa Board of Regents is scheduled to discuss Friday the state's universities' proposed tuition increases for next year. (Logo via Iowa Board of Regents)

Iowa's public universities will receive more funding than usual this fall to balance savings from small increases in state allocations and other initiatives with the impact of inflation, recruiting and retaining talent, and providing more opportunities for students. has also proposed a small tuition increase.

Proposed tuition at state universities would require undergraduate resident students to pay a 3 percent increase at the University of Iowa and Iowa State University, and a 2 percent increase at the University of Northern Iowa, according to an Iowa Board of Regents document.

Tuition increases for non-resident undergraduates vary by university, but UI has the smallest increase of 1.3%. UNI will increase non-resident tuition by 2%, and ISU non-resident tuition will increase by 4.5%.

Due to price increases, UI tuition is $9,286 for residents and $31,374 for non-residents, ISU tuition is $9,252 for residents and $27,346 for non-residents, and UNI tuition is $8,564 for residents. , $20,340 for non-residents.

The board will discuss tuition fees at Friday's meeting, with a final decision expected in June.

“Funding from the proposed tuition increases will help reduce inflation-driven costs, recruit and retain faculty in the domestic market, comply with collective bargaining terms, defer maintenance needs for academic facilities, and provide higher education opportunities. “This will help address growing financial challenges, such as providing financial aid to students to support the growing number of students,” the document states.

These increases are smaller than the tuition increases approved over the past two years, with in-state undergraduate tuition at all three universities scheduled to increase by 3.25% in 2023 and 4.25% in 2022. According to the board document, each university considered the following: A 2.5% increase in state aid received in fiscal year 2025, pending signature by Gov. Kim Reynolds, as well as potential operating cost savings through “efficiency and reallocation” and additional funding in developing proposed tuition increases. The impact of inflation on the budget is also taken into account.

Core inflation for the 12 months ending in March was 3.8%, according to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report cited in the board's document.

Required tuition fees for students will also increase at each university, with ISU increasing by 1.3% to $1,534, UI increasing by 2.5% to $1,997, and UNI increasing by 3% to $1,372.

Potential graduate student tuition increases vary by university, with UNI and ISU increasing tuition by 2% and 4.5% for resident and nonresident students, respectively, and UI increasing tuition by 3.5% for in-state students; Increase tuition fees for non-resident students by 1.3%. %.

Graduate students will also see mandatory tuition increases, including a 1.4% increase to $1,474 at ISU, a 2.5% increase to $2,004 at UI, and a 3% increase to $1,372 at UNI.

“Together, tuition at all three proposed universities is expected to increase revenue by $35 million in fiscal year 2025, representing approximately 1.9% of the current General Education Fund operating budget,” the document states. Are listed.

The university will require special tuition fees for certain programs to balance the budget and provide financial support, according to board documents.

At UI, the Carver School of Medicine's radiology program has requested a $1,617 tuition increase in the second year of a three-year effort to achieve a balanced budget and fully fund the program. ing. The university is also calling for tuition to remain flat for students entering the Master of Science in Athletic Training and Doctor of Physical Therapy programs, as well as for students in the Doctor of Medicine program.

UI Clinical Nutrition Master's Program calls for flat tuition for non-resident students and 3% tuition increase for resident students, and Physician Assistant Program calls for 2.5% increase for all students are doing. The UI College of Nursing is also requesting no tuition increase for students, and the College of Pharmacy is proposing a 0.75% increase for both resident and nonresident students.

UNI plans to require an “additional tuition fee” of $1,944 for nursing programs to handle the cost of simulation and laboratory equipment and to meet student learning and certification requirements. The annual cost, including additional costs for routine repairs and replacements, is expected to exceed $100,000 and could increase over time, the document states. If approved, tuition would match that of Wilson College of Business students.

ISU is asking for tuition increases for some Ivy School of Business students ($1,340 for residents, $1,340 for non-residents) to bring sophomore business majors in line with juniors and seniors. ($2,476). This is the second year of a three-year effort to simplify the differential tuition structure, bringing the cost of business students into line with students enrolled in engineering, agricultural systems technology and industrial technology programs, according to the document.

The university's veterinary medicine program will receive a 5% tuition increase for in-state students and a 3.5% tuition increase for out-of-state students to support faculty and students, maintain facilities, and access new technology. is suggesting. The Executive MBA program, aimed at senior business leaders, has also asked for a 10% tuition increase as tuition fees have remained unchanged since its inception in 2019 and funds are needed to cover tuition, materials and travel costs. are doing.

ISU is also seeking changes to its tuition evaluation policy for graduate students in interdepartmental majors, according to the document. Because majors are offered by faculty representing the major rather than by a specific department or university, their tuition is now set based on the faculty's department, and universities are set based on the student's field of study. seeking approval to do so.

“This proposal would provide fair treatment for students pursuing the same degree, regardless of the major's academic background, and would increase cost transparency for prospective students,” the document states. “Additionally, this change will improve operational efficiency, align tuition and fees, and achieve our goal of increasing enrollment in interdepartmental programs.”

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