Utah students will see a tuition increase at public universities for the 2026-2027 academic year following approval from the Utah Board of Higher Education. Rates will rise about 2.82% systemwide.
For students at Southern Utah University, this means tuition will rise by about $173 for the full school year for resident undergraduates taking 15 credits per semester, based on a 2.44% increase.
Across the state, other public universities will see tuition increases for the upcoming year. Larger increases include the University of Utah at $317, 2.92%, and Utah State University at $286, 3.22%. Mid-range increases include Utah Valley University at $199 and Utah Tech University at $181. Lower increases include Weber State University at $132, Snow College at $157 and Salt Lake Community College at $105.
State officials described the increases as modest, with the Utah Board of Higher Education leaders noting that the final average came in below the originally proposed 2.96% increase.
“The board’s tuition and fee approvals this year reflect our ongoing focus on keeping higher education affordable across the system,” said Utah Board of Higher Education Chair Amanda Covington. “We appreciate the thoughtful collaboration between our institutions, the commissioner’s office and the board as we worked to balance institutional needs with our commitment to affordability, access and value for Utah students.”
The increase follows SUU’s annual Truth in Tuition hearing, which was held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, in the Sharwan Smith Student Theater. The hearing is a required step in the Utah System of Higher Education process where institutions present proposed tuition and fee changes for the upcoming year.
At the hearing, SUU proposed a tuition increase of 1.5% to 3%, which would have been approximately $48 to $97 per semester more for a full-time resident undergraduate.
“Every tuition decision is approached with care, transparency, and a deep commitment to student success,” said SUU President Mindy Benson. “We are focused on providing an exceptional, high-impact educational experience while remaining mindful of affordability for our students and their families.”
This increase reflects ongoing adjustments across Utah’s higher education system as institutions respond to rising costs and funding needs.
Author: Charlee Steed
Photo courtesy of Southern Utah University
Editor: Hannah Clove
news@suunews.net
