UK approves minimal 1.94% tuition increase for 2026-27 academic year

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky Board of Trustees approved a tuition and mandatory fee increase of less than 2% for the 2026-27 academic year Friday, maintaining the institution's restraint on costs as reported by University of Kentucky News. The 1.94% increase was authorized by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education and aligns with the state's broader affordability strategy for public universities.

Full-time resident undergraduate students will pay $7,088.50 per semester, an increase of $135 from the current year. Full-time nonresident undergraduate students will pay $17,923, a $341 increase. The modest rate follows CPE guidelines that limit research universities to a combined increase of $675 over the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years.

The increase includes a boost to the Campus Recreation Fee, which rises from $95 to $109 per semester to support expansion and renovation of the Johnson Student Recreation Center. The Student Government Association's Student Fee Allocation Committee endorsed the increase as part of the mandatory fees portion.

"Holding down costs and ensuring that the education we provide is affordable and accessible is one of the most important ways we help advance this state and ensure a Kentucky that is healthier, wealthier and wiser," UK President Eli Capilouto said.

UK has maintained a disciplined approach to tuition pricing in recent years. Over the past six years, the rolling four-year average for tuition and fee increases has remained under 3%, according to university officials. Additionally, more than 50% of UK undergraduate in-state students now graduate without debt, bolstered by continually increasing financial aid and scholarships.

The university's enrollment remains robust at 38,383 students as of Fall 2025, representing all Kentucky counties, 50 U.S. states and more than 100 countries. Officials say the combination of modest tuition increases and enhanced financial aid demonstrates UK's commitment to making higher education accessible to Kentuckians from diverse economic backgrounds.

Complete tuition and fee rates for all programs can be found on UK's official tuition schedule.