Board of Regents raises tuition, discusses growth, and more
By Aaron Thomas
The University of Alaska Board of Regents, or BoR, approved a 4% tuition increase across the system beginning Fall 2026 at their recent board meeting. Regents met to discuss budget requests for the fiscal year of 2027. In addition to budgeting, they reviewed land management, student retention programs, housing initiatives, healthcare plans, and elected new officers.
The raised tuition amounts to a $10-$12 increase per credit hour for undergraduate students and a $21-$22 increase per credit hour for graduate students. For in-state students enrolled in 12 credit hours, average semester tuition costs will rise from $3,576 to $3,719 while non-resident students will see average tuition rise from $10,776 to $11,207. The rationale given by the BoR for the increase was to address rising fixed costs, provide better student mental health services, and improve recruiting and student retention rates across the broader UA system.
The board initially proposed a 3% increase to tuition but the extra 1% was suggested by Student Regent Fernando Escobar to go toward mental health services, the board unanimously approved the amendment.
“Even with this modest tuition adjustment, UA remains among the most affordable options in the region,” said UA President Pat Pitney. “We will continue to balance affordability for students with the need to maintain our high-quality academic and workforce programs.”
The BoR elected several new officers, including Scott Jepsen as chair, Joey Crum as vice chair, Christine Resler as secretary, and Karen Perdue as treasurer.
Moving forward, UA wants to shift the focus of healthcare to preventative care to help reduce the cost of emergency care. By introducing more coverage for preventative screenings and mental health care, estimates project that the UA system can save up to $3 million.
The BoR discussed solutions to the lack of student housing on campus, particularly apartment style housing. UAF currently has 96 students on the wait list for apartment style housing. In the coming years they plan to construct 75 graduate student apartments, 20 single townhouse units, 10 double townhouse units, and 300 suite-style high density units for undergraduates. In addition to increasing student retention rates, the BoR hope this increase in housing will attract more graduate students to improve UAF’s chance at attaining an R1 status.
One major issue the Board focused on was improving student retention rates, something that UAF has struggled with in years past. UA schools have recently made improvements, with system-wide head counts up for the second consecutive year, with the largest gains being made in health, education, and engineering programs. The number of Alaska Performance Scholars has increased 33%, full-time students have increased 9%, and first year freshmen students have increased 42% with freshmen-sophmore retention rates at a 10 year high.
Through simplifying credit transfers, expanding dual enrollment options, and coordinating advertising, the BoR wants to continue this growth trend, approving $2.5 million in funding for this effort.
The Board additionally discussed its response to students and families affected by the aftermath of Typhoon Halong. In a partnership with the Red Cross, UA assisted rescue efforts in Western Alaska.
“Across the system, our staff and faculty have been working with community partners to support those whose lives have been upended by the flooding and devastation in western Alaska, and I’m proud of the teamwork and resilience that define this university system,” said President Pat Pitney.