Midwest, Mountain West Colleges Hike Tuition Amid Cuts

Public universities across the Midwest and Mountain West have approved tuition and fee increases for the 2025-2026 academic year, citing inflation, limited state support, and budgetary pressures. The University of Oklahoma approved a 3% tuition and mandatory fee increase, which faced opposition from Governor Kevin Stitt, while officials highlighted expanded scholarships and decreasing net costs for many in-state students. Iowa's Board of Regents approved a 3% tuition increase at the University of Iowa and Iowa State University, and a 2.7% rise at the University of Northern Iowa, with nonresident tuition hikes postponed due to budget vetoes. The University of Nebraska is considering a 5% tuition increase along with $20 million in budget cuts, pointing to lower-than-requested state appropriations and interruptions in federal research funding. In Montana, flagship public universities will see tuition and fees rise as much as 14% over two years, though average costs remain below 2006 levels after adjusting for inflation and financial aid. University leaders in these states say they are trying to balance affordability, rising costs, and academic quality.