Universities of Wisconsin propose tuition freeze tied to $190M state investment

Universities of Wisconsin leaders have proposed a “4-Year Tuition Pledge” that would freeze tuition for the 2027-29 biennium, provided the state Legislature invests $190 million in the system. Board of Regents President Kyle Weatherly and interim system President Renée Wachter stated that if the funding is secured, the system would also commit to capping tuition increases at the rate of inflation for the following two years.

This proposal follows recent rate hikes approved for the 2026-27 academic year, which included a 3.3% tuition increase for all students and various increases for housing, dining, and mandatory fees. Officials noted that inflationary pressures and state-mandated payroll increases make such funding necessary to maintain affordability.

Additionally, officials announced “Wisconsin Work and Learn,” a program designed to eliminate tuition for in-state students from families earning at or below the median household income. In exchange, students would commit to work, internships, apprenticeships, or career preparation to ensure cost does not remain a barrier to opportunity.