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Minnesota State warns of tuition choices as campuses face budget pressure; board considers scenarios, trustees to decide in June
Summary
Minnesota State leaders told the conference committee campuses face inflationary pressures and may need tuition increases if the Legislature does not provide new operating support. System leaders said the board considered a range of scenarios and that media reports of an 18% tuition increase were inaccurate.
Minnesota State leaders told the Higher Education Conference Committee that the system is facing significant budget pressures and that campuses will need to make difficult choices if additional state operating support is not provided.
Bernie Oman, senior leader for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, said board leadership has considered multiple tuition scenarios and is consulting campuses, students and community partners. "They brought in scenarios of 3%, 5%, 7%, and 9%. And then, of course, the headline was Minnesota State is considering an 18% increase over the biennium. That's not where that board is going," Oman said, asking members to treat headlines and social media speculation cautiously.
Why it matters: Minnesota State said tuition increases would be a last resort to cover inflationary inputs and program costs, especially in career and technical programs that have high per‑student costs. Campus leaders said some programs lose money per enrolled student and warned of program cuts and staffing reductions if funding is insufficient.
Union and student perspectives: Union and campus witnesses said further reductions to Minnesota State or failure to provide operating support would force campus tuition increases, staff layoffs and program closures. Jess Schimick, a college lab assistant and AFSCME member, told the committee trustees should keep local consultation and that tuition rises are a painful but inevitable lever when state revenue does not match rising costs. MAPE and IFO representatives urged the Legislature to find additional operating dollars to prevent destabilization at smaller greater‑Minnesota campuses.
Next steps: Minnesota State leaders said the system chancellor will present a tuition recommendation to the Board of Trustees for initial review and a final decision in June. Conference committee chairs said they will not adopt budget actions until the committee sets a target.
