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US Universities Raise Tuition by Up to 6.5% for 2026-27 Academic Year

Students face steeper bills as elite schools like Georgetown and Brown push annual tuition past $74,000. Even public universities are raising fees—here's how it impacts your wallet.

The image shows a poster with animated images of people and text that reads "What a Boost in...
The image shows a poster with animated images of people and text that reads "What a Boost in 2014/15: The Number of International Students in the U.S. Increased by 10% to a Record High of 974,926 Students".

US Universities Raise Tuition by Up to 6.5% for 2026-27 Academic Year

Several major US universities have announced tuition increases for the 2026-27 academic year. The rises range from 2% to 6.5%, affecting both public and private institutions across the country.

The adjustments will add hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars to students' annual costs, depending on the university.

Among private universities, Georgetown will raise undergraduate tuition by 4.75% to $74,520. Brown follows closely with a 4.25% increase, bringing its total fees to $74,568. Baylor University has set the steepest hike at 6.5%, pushing its tuition and fees to $67,756.

At the University of Pennsylvania, undergraduate tuition will climb by 3.9% to $65,670. When including room, board, and other expenses, the total cost of attendance will reach $94,582—a 3.8% rise. Texas Christian University will also see a 4.7% increase, bringing tuition to around $66,500.

Public universities are implementing smaller but still notable rises. The University of North Carolina System will increase tuition by up to 3%, averaging an extra $125 per student. The University of Illinois has approved a 2% rise for in-state undergraduates. Meanwhile, the Iowa Board of Regents is considering a 3% increase for resident undergraduates at its three public universities. Washington State University will raise tuition by 3.3% for all undergraduate and graduate students.

The tuition increases will take effect from the 2026-27 academic year. Students at these institutions will face higher costs, with some private universities now charging over $74,000 annually. Public universities have kept rises more modest, but the changes will still impact budgets for in-state learners.

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