Midwestern Universities Announce Major Tuition Hikes

Major Midwestern public universities are implementing tuition increases and program reductions for the 2025-26 academic year due to financial pressures from rising costs and uncertain or declining government support. The University of Minnesota proposes a 6.5% tuition hike for in-state undergraduates at its Twin Cities and Rochester campuses, coupled with a 7% reduction in program scope. Michigan State University has approved a 4.5% tuition increase—the maximum allowed under state rules—and is increasing its student financial aid budget by 10.6%. The University of Michigan will raise in-state tuition and fees by 3.4% and dorm costs by 6%, while expanding financial aid and offering free tuition for many low- and moderate-income students. Missouri Southern State University will raise tuition by 3.45% to address operating cost increases. These actions exemplify a wider regional trend of universities balancing affordability concerns with the need to sustain academic quality.