University of Minnesota regents approve significant tuition hikes and budget cuts for 2026

The University of Minnesota Board of Regents approved a $5. 1 billion budget on Wednesday, which raises tuition for in-state undergraduate students by 6. 5% and cuts academic programs by 7%. President Rebecca Cunningham defended the budget against allegations of "administrative bloat," emphasizing that the university's administrative spending is comparable to peer institutions. She stated that the budget prioritizes the university's mission and addresses significant challenges like flat state funding and high inflation.

Three regents voted against the budget, expressing concern over inadequate support for contingent faculty and student workers. The budget includes a 4% increase in faculty and staff compensation, primarily merit-based, and aims to improve deteriorating infrastructure. The tuition hike will increase costs to $16,132 annually for undergraduate residents at the Twin Cities campus. Additionally, the proposed budget allocates $15 million for a new strategic plan and $60 million for strategic investments. Cunningham reassured stakeholders that individual colleges can decide on specific cuts, which may not solely affect academic programs.