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SALT LAKE CITY — Tuition is set to increase at eight of the Beehive State's public degree-granting institutions after the Utah System of Higher Education's governing board on Friday approved the adjustments.
Tuition rates for colleges and universities under the USHE umbrella are reevaluated every year following the legislative session, when the Utah Board of Higher Education determines the additional tuition necessary to meet the operating budget and continue the mission of Utah's public higher education institutions.
According to a release from the System of Higher Education, rates are adjusted to meet the legislative requirement to fund compensation increases, mandatory costs and other expenditures, such as tenure and promotion of faculty, and to cover other costs for student services, programs and more.
This year, USHE approved a 3.3% statewide weighted average increase. Additionally, the board adopted lower rate increases than what was proposed by several of the schools.
"It was important for the Utah Board of Higher Education to see prudent tuition and fee requests from USHE institutions," said Amanda Covington, chair of the Utah Board of Higher Education, in a statement. "The board conducted a rigorous review of the proposals and is focused on ensuring college is affordable and accessible for Utah students. We meticulously reviewed the tuition and fee requests to uphold our commitment and charge."
Here's a breakdown of the tuition and fee adjustments set to go into effect for the 2024-2025 school year:
A release from the System of Higher Education said that all eight USHE technical colleges and USHE's three degree-granting institutions with a technical college role — Utah State University, Snow College and Salt Lake Community College — requested no technical education tuition and fee increases.
"Higher education delivers a significant return on investment for Utah students, and we recognize the precious dollars students contribute toward their training and education as they work to achieve their goals. Going forward, the Board asked the Commissioner's office to work closely with the institutions to capture and evaluate cost reductions and additional efficiency measures as tuition and fee requests are made," Covington said.
