UC Regents Approve Tuition Hike Plan Through 2028, Sparking Protests

The University of California’s Board of Regents has approved a plan to increase tuition 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 result in higher tuition rates for both undergraduate and graduate students compared to current levels.

The plan continues a framework established in 2021, allowing annual tuition increases capped at 5% based on inflation. According to the UC Office of the President, the continuation of this tuition adjustment is essential for maintaining funding for academic activities and necessary infrastructure. A portion of the tuition revenue—approximately 40%—is typically allocated for financial aid, but under the new plan, this percentage will decrease to 40% for the 2027-2028 academic year.

A significant aspect of this tuition increase is the addition of a 1% annual increase intended for capital improvements. These funds are expected to support facility retrofitting and renovations across UC campuses. The original proposal specified that the additional funding would be earmarked solely for infrastructure upgrades; however, the board amended this to allow individual campuses discretion on how to use the funds.

Student Response and Financial Context

During the board meeting, student protests erupted as individuals voiced their opposition to the tuition increase. Many students express concerns about the financial burden this will place on current and future students.

The University of California system generates about $11.1 billion annually, with tuition and fees accounting for approximately 40% of this revenue. Despite this, these funds cover only a fraction—20%—of the UC system’s overall budget, which totals $56 billion. The medical centers within the UC system contribute significantly to its finances, accounting for 38% of the budget.

Under the newly approved tuition plan, enrolled students will benefit from a flat tuition rate for up to seven years, an increase from the previously proposed six years. This adjustment aims to provide some financial stability for current students amid rising costs.

The UC Board of Regents emphasized that the tuition increases are crucial for maintaining the quality of education and facilities. As the debate over tuition continues, the impact on student finances and access to education remains a pressing concern for many within the university community.