Brown University Approves Tuition Hike, Salary Increases

Corporation also accepts over $90 million in gifts during February meeting

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Brown University's governing body, the Corporation, has approved a 4.25% increase in undergraduate tuition and fees for the 2026-27 academic year, as well as a 3% total increase in the salary pool for employees earning up to $80,000 and a 2% total increase for those earning over $80,000. The Corporation also accepted over $90 million in individual gifts and pledges during their February meeting.

Why it matters

The tuition hike and salary increases reflect Brown's efforts to address its structural operating deficit, expand financial aid initiatives, and retain and compensate faculty and staff amid factors like inflation. The acceptance of major gifts also highlights the university's ability to attract significant philanthropic support.

The details

The 4.25% increase in undergraduate tuition and fees will bring the total cost to $97,016 for the upcoming academic year, up from $93,164. Medical school tuition is increasing 2.75% and most graduate programs will see a 4% price hike. The increases are based on a review of Brown's financial trends, including its operating deficit, expanded financial aid, and external factors like inflation. The tuition hike will be accompanied by a $6.5 million increase in the undergraduate financial aid budget. The Corporation also approved salary increases, with a 3% total increase for employees earning up to $80,000 and a 2% total increase for those earning over $80,000.

  • The tuition and fee increases will go into effect for the 2026-27 academic year.
  • The salary increases were approved at the Corporation's February 2026 meeting.

The players

Christina Paxson

President of Brown University.

University Resources Committee

A group of faculty members, students, and administrators who provide reports and recommendations to the Corporation related to University finances.

Jeffrey Hines

Appointed to his first term as secretary of the Corporation, effective July 1, succeeding Richard Friedman.

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What they’re saying

“The increases will go into effect for the 2026-27 academic year and are based on a review of financial trends, including Brown's structural operating deficit, its recent expansion of financial aid initiatives, budget-reduction measures and external factors such as inflation.”

— Christina Paxson, President (Today@Brown)

“The absence of a merit pool 'does not obviate the need for and importance of robust performance evaluations and feedback processes conducted by all supervisors, as normally occurs in the spring of each year.'”

— Christina Paxson, President (Today@Brown)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This tuition and salary increase reflects Brown's efforts to address its financial challenges, including its operating deficit, while also investing in financial aid and employee compensation. The acceptance of major gifts also demonstrates the university's ability to attract significant philanthropic support.