LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – The University of Nebraska Board of Regents will meet Thursday, June 19 at 9 a.m. to review and consider the proposed 2025-26 budget.
The proposed budget includes a 5% tuition increase, as well as nearly $20 million in additional cuts to the university’s core budget.
The proposed tuition increase and other budgetary measures follow a 0.625% increase in the university’s state appropriation, which is significantly lower than the inflation-based 3.5% request submitted by the Board of Regents prior to the 2025 legislative session.
According to the NU System, interruptions and cuts to federally sponsored research awards and contracts, as well as proposed limits on reimbursement of certain overhead costs associated with federally funded research, have resulted in further budgetary constraints across the University of Nebraska and other institutions of higher education.
Even with a proposed tuition increase, university officials say the University of Nebraska would remain one of the most affordable institutions of higher education among its peers.
“Affordability and accessibility remain the university’s top priorities,” said NU President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “The budget that the board will consider ensures the University of Nebraska continues to be affordable and accessible, while also helping maintain the high-quality educational opportunities our students expect.”
During the meeting, the board will also look at ways to reduce tuition remissions, or unfunded scholarships, that the university absorbs each year, while honoring commitments to current students and continuing efforts to attract top scholars to NU.
“As stewards of the University of Nebraska and of the public trust, we have a responsibility to manage every dollar with discipline, care and transparency,” said Dr. Gold. “At the same time, we must maintain our strong commitment to affordability and student access, while positioning us to invest strategically in our academic priorities. The budget the board will consider ensures we can deliver on our mission, invest in our future and remain careful stewards of our resources.”
Lastly, the proposed budget includes setting aside $1.5 million to continue the Presidential Scholars Program. The program has been a success in its first year but currently remains unmatched by state support.
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