CU Boulder Approves 3% Tuition Increase For Incoming Students

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The University of Colorado Boulder's Board of Regents has approved a 3% tuition increase for incoming students for the 2026-2027 academic year, bringing the annual cost for in-state residents to $13,973 per year for 30 credit hours. The university also approved increases in residence hall fees and graduate student tuition, as well as a step increase for eligible classified staff and a 1% merit pool for faculty and staff.

Why it matters

The rising cost of higher education continues to be a major concern for students and families, with in-state tuition at public universities increasing by over 100% in the past two decades. CU Boulder's tuition hike reflects broader trends of growing financial burdens on students, even at public institutions.

The details

The 3% tuition increase for incoming CU Boulder students will be locked in for four consecutive years of study. The university also approved a 4% increase in residence hall fees and a 3% increase in graduate and family housing fees. Resident graduate students will see a tuition increase of up to 4%. The university is anticipating a 1.3% increase in total student enrollment, including a 1.7% increase in undergraduate enrollment offset by a 0.8% decrease in graduate enrollment.

• The tuition increase will take effect for the 2026-2027 school year.
• The Board of Regents approved the increases during its meeting on Thursday, April 17, 2026.

What’s next

The university's budget considerations are not final until the Long Bill is approved by the Colorado State House, State Senate, and signed by the governor, which is expected to occur around mid-May.