MADISON, Wis.—The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents will consider a proposal this week to increase resident undergraduate tuition by 2 percent for the 2026–27 academic year. 

If approved, the increase would remain below the current inflation rate and would help universities address rising operating costs while continuing to maintain affordability for Wisconsin students and families. 

The proposal comes after several years of significant financial restructuring across UW universities, including reductions in structural deficits, operational changes, and campus-level cost containment efforts designed to strengthen long-term financial stability. 

“We recognize Wisconsin families are managing rising costs in every part of their lives, and that reality informed this proposal,” said Universities of Wisconsin Interim President Renée Wachter. “This is a measured increase that helps our universities continue providing strong student support and high-quality academic experiences while keeping a UW education among the most affordable in the Midwest.” 

Over the past decade, resident undergraduate tuition at Wisconsin comprehensive universities has increased at a substantially lower rate than public universities in neighboring Midwestern states. 

Even with the proposed increase, the Universities of Wisconsin would continue to rank among the most affordable public university systems in the region. 

The proposal would also include an average 3.5 percent increase in segregated fees, or approximately $56 annually. When tuition, segregated fees, and room-and-board costs are combined, the total estimated cost of attendance for resident undergraduates would increase by an average of 2.5 percent. 

Revenue generated through the proposal would support essential university operations, including utilities, facility maintenance, employee salaries and benefits, and student services. 

The Board of Regents is expected to vote on the proposal at its meeting in Milwaukee later this week. 

Proposed 2026–27 Resident Undergraduate Tuition and Segregated Fees 

The proposed resident undergraduate tuition and segregated fees for each university in 2026-27 is proposed as follows: 

UW-Eau Claire: $10,268 

UW-Green Bay: $9,133 

UW-La Crosse: $10,563 

UW-Madison: $12,416 

UW-Milwaukee: $11,153 

UW-Oshkosh: $9,180 

UW-Parkside: $8,851 

UW-Platteville: $9,007 

UW-River Falls: $9,448 

UW-Stevens Point: $9,692 

UW-Stout: $10,289 

UW-Superior: $9,477 

UW-Whitewater: $8,984 

In addition, selected programs would undergo program-specific tuition adjustments.