News Summary
The University of Memphis has approved a 4.92% tuition increase for in-state undergraduate students, raising costs by approximately $264 per semester. The decision responds to rising operational costs and aims to enhance student experiences by funding new programs, support services, and campus safety initiatives. Despite this increase, U of M has maintained one of the lowest average tuition hikes in Tennessee over recent years, prioritizing affordability while striving for academic excellence.
Memphis – The Board of Trustees at the University of Memphis (U of M) has voted to impose a 4.92% tuition increase for in-state undergraduate students for the upcoming academic year of 2025-2026. This adjustment is anticipated to add approximately $264 per semester for students enrolled in a standard 15-hour course load.
The decision to raise tuition is primarily a reaction to the escalating operational costs faced by the university. The funds generated from this increase will be strategically invested to enhance various aspects of student experience on campus, including expanding academic programs, enhancing student support services, and improving campus safety measures.
Key initiatives that will be funded by this tuition hike include:
- The launch of a new Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
- The introduction of The Polytechnic @ UofM initiative, which aims to enhance technical education and resources.
- Support for the staffing and operation of a new Crime Information Center to bolster campus safety.
- Expanded programming within the Division of Student Affairs, promoting a more comprehensive student experience.
- Renewed funding for the Office of First-Generation Student Success, helping first-generation college students navigate their educational journey.
- Addressing rising costs associated with software licensing, utilities, and property insurance.
According to the Board of Trustees President, the intention behind the tuition increase is to preserve academic excellence while striving to maintain affordability for students. The university has demonstrated restraint in previous years, having recorded one of the lowest average tuition increases in Tennessee over the past six years, averaging just 1.8%. Notably, during that period, they managed to implement no increases in tuition during two of those years.
This tuition increase is also less than the 6.5% cap outlined by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), meaning it does not require additional approval. The financial landscape of the university relies significantly on tuition and state funding, which constitutes about 84% of its education and general operations expenditures.
Financial support remains a critical part of the student population’s ability to enroll and succeed. At the University of Memphis, the average yearly financial aid award for undergraduate students stands at around $11,136, with a significant 86% of students receiving some form of financial aid to assist them in their educational pursuits.
For context, this tuition increase follows a previous hike of 2.86% implemented during the 2023-2024 academic year. U of M continues to navigate the challenges posed by rising costs while aiming to enhance its educational offerings and student support initiatives.
As the university looks to the future, officials remain committed to balancing the need for additional funding with the desire to keep education within reach for students from various backgrounds.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Wikipedia: Tuition
- Commercial Appeal
- Google Search: University of Memphis tuition increase
- Action News 5
- Google Scholar: University of Memphis tuition increase
- WREG
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tuition Costs
- Daily Memphian
- Google News: University of Memphis tuition news
