Rising TUITION AT UVA: YOUR VOICE MATTERS
The University of Virginia is proposing a 2026-2027 tuition increase of 3% to 4.5% as well as a fee increase of 3% - 4.5%. According to UVA, the increases will address “faculty and staff compensation; unavoidable increases; utilities and other infrastructure; and Commonwealth and University-identified priorities.” While fair compensation is important, passing additional costs onto students and their families should not be the first solution.
Before considering any tuition and fee hikes, UVA should take a hard look at its own spending—particularly massive administrative overhead and budget inefficiencies. As it is now, the current student-to-faculty ratio is currently 1:14, while the student-to-administration ratio is 1:3. This is a gross disparity.
At a time when college affordability is already under strain, these proposed increases shift the costs onto those least able to absorb it. Students and families should not be asked to shoulder a greater financial burden without the University prioritizing cutting its bloated administrative bureaucracy combined with responsible cost management.
The decision is not final—but time is short. Public comments and testimony can directly influence the outcome, and strong opposition now can make a critical difference.
The Tuition Workshop and Public Comment Session is scheduled for Monday, April 6 at 10:00am.
How you can help:
Submit written comments opposing the proposed tuition increase.
Consider speaking at the upcoming meeting on April 6.
To submit written comments:
Written comments may be sent to respond_uva_tuition@virginia.edu.
To speak at the April 6 meeting:
If you wish to speak at the April 6 meeting, UVA requires advance registration for participation. Participants must email: boardofvisitors@virginia.edu by 5:00 pm on Easter Sunday. Name, email address, telephone number, and affiliation with the university and/or the community is required for participation. Registered speakers will receive a Zoom link by email on the day of the meeting. Each speaker may speak for a maximum time of three minutes. Comments are limited to changes in undergraduate tuition and fees or the intended uses of those revenues. Speakers also wishing to have their comments entered in the public record may provide them in writing to the Secretary to the Board of Visitors at respond_uva_tuition@virginia.edu.
Public input can make a real difference in decisions like these. Your voice matters, and strong community participation is essential to ensure that affordability at UVA remains a top priority.