News Summary
The University of Tennessee at Martin’s Board of Trustees has approved a 3% tuition increase for in-state undergraduate students for the upcoming academic year. This will raise the tuition by an additional $264, resulting in a total cost of $9,066. While mandatory fees remain unchanged, the overall cost for full-time in-state students will be $10,824. The increase will help fund academic programs, student services, and campus infrastructure amid anticipated enrollment growth and upcoming construction projects.
Martin, TN – The University of Tennessee at Martin Board of Trustees has approved a 3% tuition increase for in-state undergraduate students for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year. This adjustment means that tuition will rise by an additional $264, bringing the total tuition cost to $9,066 for the academic year.
The decision also means that there will be no increase in mandatory fees for students, which keeps the overall cost for full-time, in-state undergraduates—those taking 12 or more credit hours per semester—at $10,824. For in-state graduate students enrolled in nine or more credit hours, the total cost will amount to $11,688 annually.
Unique fee structures are in place for specific academic programs. For instance, students in veterinary technology will incur additional fees, including $1,400 for the national exam and $350 for the rabies vaccination protocol. Additionally, dual enrollment students will benefit from a reduced fee of $600.25 for each three-credit hour course, which will be supported by the Tennessee Dual Enrollment Grant and the UT Martin Dual Advantage Scholarship.
In setting its operating budget at $183 million for the fiscal year, the board indicated that the planned tuition increase is necessary to fund several key areas, including academic programs, student services, and campus infrastructure. Proposed revenues from the tuition increase will contribute to instructional support, scholarships, faculty and staff promotions, and address fixed-cost increases. Part of the revenue will also support a 2.6% salary pool for faculty and staff, which is not entirely funded by state appropriations.
Despite the absence of mandatory fee increases, undergraduate students will see a net cost increase of 2.5%, while graduate students will experience a net increase of 2.6% due to the tuition hike. These increases are within the 5.5% maximum recommendation set by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.
Chancellor Yancy Freeman has noted that maintaining affordable tuition and fee structures is a priority for the university. In line with these efforts, the board anticipates an enrollment goal of 7,946 students for Fall 2025, aiming for a 5% increase from 2024 enrollment figures.
As part of ongoing development, the university is set to commence several construction projects. Plans include a new College of Business and Global Affairs building and a 400-bed student residence facility. Furthermore, the university has announced a new 1+3 agreement with Nashville State Community College, facilitating a pathway to a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural business for students.
As of July, Dr. Philip Cavalier has been appointed as the new president of Kutztown University, prompting the university to begin searches for new academic deans. The UT Martin Board of Trustees will hold its next advisory meeting on September 19, 2025.
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Additional Resources
- KFVS12: UT Martin Board Trustees Approves Tuition Increase
- Wikipedia: Tuition
- WPSD Local 6: UT Martin Board Approves 3% Tuition Increase
- Google Search: UT Martin tuition increase
- WBIR: UT Tuition and Mandatory Fee for 2025 School Year
- Google Scholar: Tuition Increases in Universities
- Tennessean: University of Tennessee Hopes to Add Martin Methodist College to System
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Higher Education
- RadioNWTN: UTM Advisory Board Recommends 3% Tuition Hike
- Google News: UT Martin Tuition
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