Regents hear widely varying tuition proposals; board to act in June

State university leaders presented a range of tuition and mandatory‑fee proposals to the Kansas Board of Regents May 14, and regents pressed campus leaders on enrollment trends, international student declines and large salary gaps for faculty and staff. No final votes were taken; the board plans to act at its June meeting.

The presentations offered different approaches. One presenter described an overall plan that amounts to roughly a 2.4% average tuition increase tied to student success and cybersecurity investments. Kansas State University outlined a recommendation that included a 3.5% increase for its Manhattan and Olathe undergraduate tuition components and a multiyear plan to align Salina campus tuition that included larger, phased adjustments for several cohorts (presenters described an 8% step for some undergraduate cohorts and smaller percentage steps for graduate cohorts). Another campus proposed a $6.27 per credit‑hour increase for in‑state undergraduates; one institution said it was recommending a 0% tuition increase for the coming year. Several campuses said they were not raising graduate tuition this year.

Regents focused questions on several recurring points: the effect of falling international enrollment (one presenter estimated a sizable projected drop), whether keeping tuition flat now would force larger increases later, and how campuses are addressing textbook costs and open educational resources. Multiple presenters described substantial compensation shortfalls: one campus reported paying roughly 16% below market and cited a gap of roughly $25 million in compensation that it is working to close. Presenters repeatedly said they were also seeking efficiencies and pursuing philanthropic and partnership opportunities to limit tuition pressure.

Board members and campus presenters discussed program‑level and campus‑level differences in proposed increases. Several presenters emphasized student success investments — scholarships and expanded advising — as top priorities; others highlighted operational needs such as cybersecurity, classroom renovations and staff retention. Regents and presenters also discussed the uncertain federal landscape affecting research and indirect‑cost reimbursements, and possible state policy changes that could affect Pell eligibility.

Because the board’s June meeting is the scheduled time to approve final tuition and fees, no formal action was taken May 14. Regents encouraged campuses to continue answering follow‑up questions and to post detailed proposals and supporting materials to the board website as they prepare for the June vote.