The University of Connecticut hosted a virtual town hall on Tuesday to discuss proposed tuition and fee changes for the 2027-28 academic year, including a third consecutive tuition freeze and approximately $1,000 in additional fees and living costs for the average student residing at Storrs.
Student fee proposals have historically been presented to students and faculty for comment in November, with the UConn Board of Trustees normally approving them in December.
The presentation was led by UConn’s new chief financial officer, Anthony Rini, who emphasized that university stakeholders are “laser focused on affordability.”
Rini cited an admitted student survey that found more than 60% of students considered cost and financial aid important factors in their college decisions. He also noted that UConn’s financial aid, distributed through grants and scholarships, has increased 91% since 2019.
Despite the proposed tuition freeze, Rini explained that rising operating costs have prompted the university to propose increases in several mandatory fees, along with housing and dining rates.
Under the proposal, total costs would increase by 2.7% for in-state students and 1.7% for out-of-state students.
The largest proposed increase would come from housing, with rates rising by $400 for the academic year. Rini attributed the increase to rising operating costs and infrastructure investments, including repairs to residence hall boilers.
The second-largest increase would come from the general university fee, which would rise by $248 for Storrs students. The fee supports several university services and programs including athletics, the marching band, the One Card Office and the Student Union. Students purchasing meal plans at Storrs would also see a $200 increase in dining costs. Rini attributed the increase to rising food, labor and delivery expenses.
The infrastructure maintenance fee would increase by $80 annually to help service debt associated with the South Campus residence halls and support operations and maintenance at facilities constructed through the UConn 2000 initiative.
Projects associated with the initiative include residence halls, Gampel Pavilion and the School of Nursing.
In September, UConn’s Board of Trustees approved an additional $21.3 million for renovations to the aging heating, ventilation and air conditioning system at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. The board also approved $13.75 million to complete unfinished interior space at the new Elisabeth DeLuca School of Nursing.
The university is also proposing a $22 increase in the transit fee, citing a new contract with the Windham Regional Transit District and rising U-Pass costs.
Additionally, the technology fee would increase by $40 to support improvements to technological infrastructure across campus.
The student activity fee could increase by as much as $10. During the spring semester, the Student Activity and Service Fee Advisory Committee will hold hearings to determine funding needs for student organizations, including The Daily Campus, Nutmeg Publishing and WHUS Radio.
If the committee determines that a smaller increase is sufficient, the proposed $10 increase could be reduced.
Fees supporting Student Health and Wellness and the Student Recreation Center would remain unchanged for the 2027-28 academic year.
Students seeking additional information about the proposed increases will have another opportunity to ask questions at an in-person town hall today at noon in Room 304B of the Student Union.