News Summary
The Florida A&M University Board of Trustees has unanimously approved a 15% increase in out-of-state tuition fees, set to take effect in Fall 2026. This decision aligns with prior recommendations from the Florida Board of Governors and comes after budget constraints delayed earlier increases. Out-of-state tuition rates will rise for undergraduate, graduate, and law students, marking the first adjustment since Fall 2013. The increase poses implications for FAMU’s recruitment strategies as the university aims to balance in-state and out-of-state enrollments while maintaining affordability.
Tallahassee, Florida
The Board of Trustees at Florida A&M University (FAMU) has approved a 15% increase in out-of-state tuition fees, set to take effect in Fall 2026. This unanimous decision, made on September 18, affects non-resident undergraduate, graduate, and law school students.
The tuition hike is aligned with guidelines from the Florida Board of Governors, which had previously recommended a 10% increase for Fall 2025 and a 15% increase for Fall 2026. However, FAMU was unable to meet the notification timeline required for the earlier increase, resulting in only the higher rate being imposed starting in Fall 2026.
Currently, approximately 23.89% of FAMU’s total student population comprises out-of-state students, including both graduate and law students. The tuition rates for these non-resident students will rise for the first time since Fall 2013. Under the new plan, out-of-state tuition per credit hour will increase from $549 to $606 for undergraduates, from $1,022 to $1,110 for graduate students, and from $1,097 to $1,189 for law students.
Impact and Implications
This increase comes at a time when many public universities in Florida have not raised their fees for more than a decade, with some institutions maintaining stable tuition rates for up to 20 years. The FAMU Board of Trustees member expressed disappointment for not implementing the increase sooner, citing budget constraints as a central concern.
The increase in out-of-state tuition may significantly affect FAMU’s recruitment strategies, particularly in regions with strong alumni networks, such as Metro Atlanta, Georgia. The university is striving to maintain a balance between attracting in-state and out-of-state students to ensure its ongoing success and affordability.
Despite the impending tuition increase, FAMU’s tuition remains one of the more affordable options among public universities in Florida. The university emphasizes its commitment to education and recruitment, and efforts are underway to prepare both students and families for the financial changes.
Regulatory Context
According to the Board of Governors Regulation 7.006, non-resident students are not supposed to exceed 10% of total systemwide enrollment; however, there is currently no cap for any single university. This regulation aims to ensure a diverse student body while addressing the budgetary needs of the institutions.
The Vice President of Student Affairs has reiterated the importance of attracting both in-state and out-of-state students, highlighting the role of financial adaptability in fostering a successful academic environment. FAMU Student Body President Zayla Bryant acknowledged that the early notice of the increase allows students to better prepare for the financial adjustments required.
In summary, the new tuition policy represents a significant shift in FAMU’s fee structure for out-of-state students. With the increase coming into play in Fall 2026, stakeholders will be closely monitoring its impact on enrollment and the overall financial health of the university.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Florida Lawmakers Tackle Budget Challenges Ahead of Session
FAMU President Unveils 100-Day Action Plan for Change
Peter Collins Re-Elected as FSU Board Chair Amid Challenges
Florida State University Approves 10% Tuition Hike for Out-of-State Students
Leon County Schools Considers Legal Action Over Renaissance Academy Closure
Florida State University Approves Fee Increase for Out-of-State Students
Florida Schools Face Budget Cuts Amid Legislative Negotiations
FSU Board Approves $2.97 Billion Budget for Educational Growth
Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: FAMU Board Considers Out-of-State Tuition Increase
- Wikipedia: College Tuition in the United States
- WTXL: Florida State Tuition Increase Consideration
- Google Search: FAMU Tuition Increase
- Tallahassee.com: FAMU Board of Trustees Leadership
- Google Scholar: Florida Tuition Increase
- Tallahassee.com: Florida Universities Out-of-State Tuition Fees
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Tuition
- WTXL: FAMU Partners with Ross University
- Google News: Tuition Fees Florida Universities
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
