May 1, 2025

Kentucky Council Limits Tuition Increases for 2025-27

News Summary

The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education has approved tuition increase limits for resident undergraduate students for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years. Research universities can raise tuition and fees by a maximum of $675, while regional comprehensive universities have a cap of $630. The community college system is limited to a $9 increase per credit hour over two years. The measure aims to ease financial pressures on students while allowing institutions some flexibility to manage costs.

Frankfort, Kentucky – The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) has approved recommendations to impose limits on tuition and mandatory fee increases for resident undergraduate students for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years. This decision aims to alleviate financial burdens on students while providing universities some flexibility to counter inflation and economic uncertainties.

The CPE board set specific limits for different categories of institutions. Research universities, which include the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville, will be permitted to increase tuition and fees by a maximum of $675 combined over the next two years. Annually, these institutions can increase fees by no more than $450 in one year, followed by a $225 increase in the subsequent year.

In contrast, regional comprehensive universities, which encompass Eastern Kentucky University, Kentucky State University, Morehead State University, Murray State University, Northern Kentucky University, and Western Kentucky University, are capped at a total increase of $630 for the same two-year span. In this case, the maximum increase allowed in any single year is $420, with a follow-up limit of $210 for the next year.

For institutions within the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), the approved increase in resident tuition and mandatory fees is limited to no more than $9 per credit hour over the two years. This system includes a yearly limit of $6 per credit hour for one year, followed by a maximum of $3 per credit hour in the second year.

If institutions opt to raise tuition and fees to the maximum allowable rates, the average increase across all systems will result in a 3.8% hike in 2025-26 and a 1.9% increase in 2026-27, totaling a cumulative increase of 5.7% across the two fiscal years. However, it is important to note that these caps do not apply to graduate, online, out-of-state, or international students.

Additionally, institutions are required to follow CPE guidelines while setting their tuition rates, even for programs not subject to the specified ceilings. This aims for consistency across educational programs, ensuring transparent and fair pricing for students.

The recent CPE board meeting also addressed other academic matters, including the approval of new academic programs and necessary facility improvements at several universities. Notable projects include roof replacement at Murray State University and a reconstruction project for the tennis complex at Northern Kentucky University.

In terms of regulatory updates, CPE guidelines were revised to eliminate requirements related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program activities to better align with recent legislative changes outlined in RS 25 HB 4.

Looking ahead, the CPE board has scheduled its annual retreat for June 12, followed by a regular meeting on June 13 at Shaker Village in Harrodsburg. These gatherings present an opportunity for board members to discuss ongoing initiatives and set priorities for the future of higher education in Kentucky.

As Kentucky’s institutions navigate the complex landscape of rising costs and student financial health, the approved tuition and fee increases offer a structured approach aimed at balancing the needs of institutions with the financial realities faced by students and their families.

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Additional Resources

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