Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Tuition Fees topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
UA system approves 2026–27 tuition adjustments; professional schools also set new rates
Summary
The University of Alabama System finance committee approved tuition changes for 2026–27: UA resident +2%, UAH and UAB resident +3%; non‑resident increases of 4% at UA and 3% at UAH/UAB; professional‑school increases include a 3% rise for Heersink Medicine and Dentistry and a 3% resident increase for Optometry (no non‑resident increase).
The Finance Committee presented and the board approved the system resolution setting tuition and mandatory fees for academic year 2026–27. Dr. Keith summarized four priority investment areas to be funded in part with tuition revenue: academic program expansion, new facilities, technology and operations, and workforce compensation. He cited specific investments including $4.6 million for the Capstone College of Nursing to hire faculty and expand the nursing building footprint by 34 percent and $16 million to operate and fund new facilities.
After benchmarking and discussion, trustees approved the system proposals: University of Alabama resident undergraduate tuition would increase 2 percent; the University of Alabama in Huntsville and the University of Alabama at Birmingham request 3 percent resident increases. For non-resident undergraduates, UA proposed a 4 percent increase while UAH and UAB requested 3 percent. Dr. Keith noted that new state funding will cover about 41 percent of the identified investments for 2026–27 but that tuition revenue remains a critical second source.
Ms. Mullins presented professional school proposals and enrollment data. The Heersink School of Medicine requested a 3 percent increase for resident and nonresident students (fall 2025 enrollment 716, about 90 percent Alabama residents); the School of Dentistry requested a 3 percent increase (enrollment 379); and the School of Optometry requested a 3 percent increase for resident tuition and no increase for nonresident tuition. Committee members asked about workforce impacts and the role of satellite clinics; UAB representatives said the Dothan clinic and planned Decatur site are intended to help expose students to rural practice and retain graduates in the state.
The finance committee moved and the board approved the resolution by voice vote.
