UC Regents Approve Tuition Increases Through 2028 Amid Protests

The University of California (UC) Board of Regents has approved a plan to increase tuition for undergraduate and graduate students through the 2027-2028 academic year. This decision, made on November 19, 2025, during a meeting at the UCLA Meyer and Renee Luskin Conference Center, will see tuition rates rise annually, capped at a maximum of 5% based on inflation.

The board’s decision is part of a broader tuition adjustment framework initially approved in 2021. The UC Office of the President stated that these increases are essential for maintaining funding that supports academic activities and infrastructure across the university system. According to the office, student tuition and fees currently account for approximately 40% of the UC’s annual revenue, which stands at about $11.1 billion. However, this revenue only covers about 20% of the system’s total yearly budget of $56 billion.

Details of the Tuition Increase Plan

Under the newly approved plan, the implementation of tuition increases is scheduled to begin in 2027. The framework includes an annual increase of an additional 1% for capital improvements, allowing each campus to determine how to allocate these funds. While the initial proposal intended for this funding to focus solely on infrastructure upgrades, the board amended the measure to grant campuses greater discretion over its use.

Despite the tuition increase, the amount allocated for financial aid will decrease. Currently, 45% of every tuition and student service fee increase is directed back into financial aid. However, beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year, this percentage will drop to 40%. If the UC’s overall return-to-aid average falls below 33%, only that percentage of tuition earnings will be set aside for financial assistance.

The decision has sparked controversy, leading to protests from students who gathered outside the meeting venue. Individual students voiced their opposition during public comments, highlighting concerns about the financial burden that increased tuition may impose on current and future students.

Financial Implications and Future Outlook

The UC system relies heavily on its medical centers, which contribute 38% of the overall budget. In light of the approved tuition increases, some unused revenue from tuition will be “banked” for future increases, further complicating the financial landscape for students seeking aid.

The UC Board of Regents’ decision underscores the ongoing financial challenges faced by the university system as it navigates funding for a comprehensive educational experience. With a significant portion of revenue tied to tuition, the balance between maintaining financial health and ensuring access to education remains a critical concern.

The university’s next steps will likely involve addressing student feedback and exploring alternative funding strategies to alleviate the financial strain on students while securing necessary resources for the system’s operational needs.