BOV hears student comments on potential tuition increase
2 min read
The Board of Visitors meetings are held at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center. | Abbey Magnet, The Weekly Ringer
by SAMANTHA ALLISON
Staff Writer
The University of Mary Washington is considering a potential tuition increase between 0% and 4% for the 2025-2026 academic year and comprehensive auxiliary fees ranging from 0% to 5%. UMW held a Board of Visitors meeting on Feb. 20 at 3 p.m. to give students a voice and allow them to provide input on the increasing tuition prices that may take effect as soon as next semester.
While a potential rise is possible, it will not be finalized until April 11, when the Board of Visitors will vote on the tuition and fee rates at its meeting. Feb. 20 was an opportunity for the Board to hear from the students; members were not allowed to comment on student statements, as they were just there to listen.
The meeting included three students who wanted to explain why the tuition increase could harm them and hinder their ability to afford college.
Donald Glander, a junior communication and digital studies major, addressed the Board and said this increase could harm students instead of helping them.
“Every university in the country demands a high fee, and it’s often priced as the most significant factor in the student’s decision for college,” he said.
Glander says that choosing UMW is a cost-effective option because students can receive an education even if they cannot afford it. He notes that tuition affordability is a significant reason for UMW’s increasing enrollment.
“Not only would the university welcome more students, but students would also be assured of their financial decisions,” Glander said. “They would come to the university with enthusiasm that only financial stability can guarantee.”
Keely Butler, a sophomore majoring in communication and digital studies, told the Board that this tuition increase could make it challenging for many students to afford their education.
“Everyone should have access to education, not just for those who can afford it,” Butler said.
Freshman Shane Maguire said at the meeting that many Mary Washington students choose schools not based on our programs but rather on the cost of attendance. With tuition rising, this trend shows that students are selecting schools not for merit but for affordability.
“Increasingly, across the nation, students are picking schools not necessarily on the merit of its program, but on the competitiveness of their pricing,” Maguire said.
As there is potential for tuition increases each year, some students are concerned that costs will rise to a number they cannot afford. Maguire says that many students are turning down enrollment offers from other schools because of how expensive it is.
“Several students at the University in Washington have turned down offers from much more prestigious schools to attend here because of its incredibly competitive tuition pricing,” Maguire said.
Last year, for the 2024-2025 year, tuition increased by 2% and the auxility fees increased by 3%. The housing costs rose by 5%, and dining costs increased by 7%. A state budget has yet to be adopted, but will help determine fee rates.
