Southern Utah University will host its 2026 Truth in Tuition hearing on Tuesday, March 3, at 3 p.m. at the Sharwan Smith Student Theater in Room 161. This annual meeting will determine tuition and fee adjustments for the upcoming academic year.
For the 2026–27 academic year, the proposed tuition increase ranges from 1.5% to 3%. If approved, full-time resident undergraduate students taking 15 credit hours would pay approximately $48 to $97 more per semester.
“I believe one of the biggest factors influencing this year’s proposed tuition decision is the rising operating costs of running a higher education institution,” explained Southern Utah University Student Association Body President Landon Lee. “A total of over one million dollars is being allocated toward a mandated Cost of Living Adjustment fund, which I see as a necessary operating expense. This allocation is essential to keeping up with inflation and maintaining the quality of services and support our campus depends on.”
During the hearing, University President Mindy Benson will explain how tuition and student fees are used to support instruction, student services, academic programs and university operations that are not fully covered by state appropriations and other resources.
“I’m really excited about some of the big initiatives being proposed to better support students,” said Lee. “With the tuition increase, over 550 thousand of dollars will go directly toward student wages. Over the next two years, that adds up to $1.1 million invested in on-campus student workers. That’s a huge commitment to making sure students are supported not just academically, but financially as well.”
The session is designed to promote transparency and allow students to better understand where their money goes. Students can participate via Zoom if they are unable to attend in person.
“I have had several close conversations with Mary Pearson, our University Vice President of Finance and Administration, about how we can ensure that any tuition increase directly benefits students in meaningful ways,” said Lee. “At the end of the day, I want tuition decisions to feel purposeful. If costs are increasing, students should be able to clearly see how that investment is coming back to support them, their growth and their overall experience on campus.”
After the hearing, SUU’s Board of Trustees will vote on the proposed adjustments. Final approval will then move to the Utah Board of Higher Education for consideration.
Students are encouraged to attend, ask questions and stay informed about decisions that directly impact their education and finances.
Author: Fanny Felixine
Editor: Payson Davis
Photos courtesy of SUU
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