SEATTLE – Tuition for Washington State University students will increase by 3.3% for the 2026-27 academic year, according to a decision made by the WSU Board of Regents during their meeting in Seattle.
For in-state undergraduates, this means an additional $385 annually. In-state graduate students will see a $445 increase. The board plans to decide on tuition rates for professional programs at a future meeting.
Despite the rise in tuition, WSU has been working to improve affordability. WSU President Elizabeth Cantwell emphasized their efforts, stating, “Significant work has been done and will continue to be done to ensure that the published tuition rate is not what most people actually pay.”
She added, “The majority of people who have capacity to get financial aid pay no tuition whatsoever,” said Cantwell.
During the meeting, regents also approved a $12 million project for Cougar Athletics at Gesa Field, which will be funded entirely by private donations. The project includes upgrades like a new videoboard, sound system and LED lights. To meet the 2026 deadline, WSU aims to raise $8 million by December 15. Interim Director of Athletics Jon Haarlow confirmed $6 million in pledges and $725,000 in verbal commitments.
Regent Marty Dickinson expressed gratitude to the donors, saying, “I appreciate the effort and the work and want those that are listening to understand that we have a proven track record of taking private donor money and being able to do projects like this at WSU.”
Additionally, the regents approved several other initiatives, including renovations to the Southside Dining and Market rotunda on the Pullman campus and relocating the Department of Social Work.
The next Board of Regents meeting is set for January 22-23 at the WSU Spokane campus. More details are available online.
