Students at the University of Kentucky campus as they prepare for the new academic year.
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Sponsor Our ArticlesThe University of Kentucky board of trustees has approved an unprecedented $8.6 billion budget for the upcoming school year, a significant $252 million increase from last year. This budget includes a 1.5% salary raise for employees and a 3% tuition hike for students. While the budget reflects a commitment to employee compensation and student affordability, it faces uncertainties due to changes in higher education policies and state funding. The university anticipates an influx of new students, posing both opportunities and challenges as it navigates this financial landscape.
Lexington, KY – The University of Kentucky board of trustees has approved a record $8.6 billion budget for the 2025-26 school year, marking the largest fiscal plan in the institution’s history. This budget signifies a substantial increase of approximately $252 million compared to the previous year’s budget.
Central to this budget are a 1.5% salary increase for employees and a 3% increase in tuition for students. In-state undergraduate tuition will rise to $6,953, while out-of-state undergraduate tuition will reach $17,582. Graduate students will also be affected by the tuition hike, with fees set to increase to $7,541 for in-state and $18,662 for out-of-state students.
This year’s budget increase is less aggressive than the previous year’s notable 23% hike, which primarily stemmed from the university’s acquisition of King’s Daughters and St. Claire Healthcare systems. Despite this lesser increase, the financial environment surrounding the budget remains uncertain, influenced by potential shifts in higher education policies and federal funding under the current administration. Moreover, UK’s chief budget officer has expressed concerns about the upcoming fiscal landscape amidst these variables.
The board’s decision to implement a fixed percentage salary increase for staff was made instead of a salary pool, a strategy utilized in prior years. This marks the 12th salary increase for UK employees over the last 13 years. Additionally, the athletics department is set to receive a $110 million internal loan for campus improvements, which includes projects aimed at enhancing Kroger Field. The athletics department will also obtain a $31 million loan to manage a revenue-sharing deficit stemming from settlement agreements with NCAA athletes.
As the university prepares for the upcoming academic year, enrollment predictions suggest the possibility of the largest freshman class in its history, with an estimated 6,850 new students. Overall, total enrollment is projected to reach 36,700 students. This influx of students may create both opportunities and challenges for the institution as it works to provide adequate resources and support amidst funding uncertainties.
Further complicating the budget landscape is a newly enacted law in Kentucky that restricts funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Changes in the state’s performance funding model from the previous year also impact how state funds are distributed to institutions, adding another layer of complexity to the financial planning process.
Looking ahead, while the university anticipates an increase in spending on research in the next fiscal year, a potential reduction is expected for the following year due to proposed federal caps on indirect grant costs. Ongoing litigation regarding these caps could significantly affect research funding opportunities for the university, adding to the challenges that decision-makers face moving forward.
In summary, the University of Kentucky’s new budget reflects a commitment to employee compensation and student affordability, even as it navigates a landscape fraught with uncertainty. The decisions made today will shape the university’s financial health and operational capacity for years to come.
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