Wichita State University is requesting approval for a 1% tuition increase, which would be WSU’s lowest tuition percentage increase in at least 30 years. The increase amounts to $34 more a semester for an undergraduate taking 15 hours of courses, paying in-state tuition.

Wichita State’s historically low increase request is based on increased funding from the Kansas Legislature to help hold down student costs.

All public university requests were shared today (Wednesday, May 15) with the Kansas Board of Regents, which will make the final decision in mid-June. Increases approved by the Regents will go into effect for fall semester.

Among the Kansas research universities, the comparable fee increase requests were 3.1% ($145 more a semester) by Kansas State University and 1% ($50 more a semester) by the University of Kansas.

This year’s 1% WSU tuition increase request compares to a 2.5% percent increase for 2019, 2.5% for 2018, 5% for 2017 and 3.6% for 2016.

Seventeen key fees remained unchanged in WSU’s proposal. These include fees charged by colleges and special programs, those involving laboratory fees and the fee to support student health and wellness programs.

There are only four increased fees recommended, for student services, intercollegiate athletics, online courses and the Honors College.

A detailed list of tuition and fee increase requests is available on the Kansas Board of Regents website.