Board approves state‑required six‑year plan; trustees note projected tuition caps and enrollment shortfall

The board approved a six‑year plan required by the Virginia Higher Education Authority Act; the plan includes enrollment projections, proposed tuition increase ceilings for planning purposes and other fiscal assumptions.

Nut graf: Trustees approved the state‑required six‑year financial and enrollment projection plan that sets planning ceilings — not automatic rate increases — of 2.9% for in‑state tuition and 3.0% for nonresident tuition for FY 2027 and FY 2028, with a 2% salary projection and increased utilities and health‑care cost drivers. Committee chairs emphasized the plan does not obligate the board to implement those increases; actual tuition decisions remain a separate, later agenda item.

Committee reporting also noted a shortfall in this year’s incoming cadets: the institute anticipated over 500 new cadets but enrolled 471, reducing projected revenue. Trustees discussed the importance of coordinated recruiting and brand messaging to restore enrollment targets.

Discussion vs. decision: The board voted to approve the six‑year plan (required by state statute) by voice vote; trustees clarified that approving the plan does not automatically set tuition and that tuition for the next academic year will be set in May under regular budget procedures.

Ending: Trustees tasked administration with continued recruitment efforts and with presenting a tuition proposal in the formal May cycle; no immediate tuition increases were enacted at the meeting.