News Summary
Florida State University is set to implement a 10% increase in out-of-state tuition fees this fall as part of a strategy to tackle budget challenges. This change comes after a unanimous vote by the Florida Board of Governors to raise out-of-state fees statewide, with FSU’s undergraduate rate increasing from $721 to $751 per credit hour. The decision, influenced by rising operational costs and an increase in out-of-state enrollments, is aimed at maintaining competitiveness in higher education.
Tallahassee – Florida State University (FSU) is poised to implement a 10% increase in out-of-state student fees this fall, as part of a broader strategy to address budget challenges ahead of the 2026-2027 legislative session. The Board of Trustees will convene virtually at 9:30 a.m. on July 24 to vote on this proposal, which aligns with directives from the Florida Board of Governors.
The increase comes as part of a statewide initiative, with the Florida Board of Governors voting unanimously on June 18 to raise out-of-state fees by 10% for fall 2025 and 15% for fall 2026. Public universities in Florida, including FSU, have not adjusted out-of-state fees for over a decade, with some institutions maintaining their rates for as long as 20 years.
At FSU, undergraduate out-of-state tuition will bump up from $721 to $751 per credit hour. Graduate student rates will rise from $1,110 to $1,173 per credit hour, while law student fees will increase from $1,355 to $1,421. Medical students will experience the most substantial hike, with fees rising from $32,905 to $36,196.
The recent surge in out-of-state enrollments is attributed to Florida’s reputation for affordable higher education. In response to rising operational costs, the University of Florida Board of Trustees also approved a similar fee increase on July 23. Meanwhile, Florida A&M University interim President Timothy Beard has opted against an immediate tuition hike but plans to consider one for fall 2026.
In preparation for the upcoming budget year, FSU’s preliminary request includes seeking $101 million in nonrecurring funds from the legislature. This budget request follows the approval by Governor Ron DeSantis of a $115 billion spending plan for Florida for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, of which nearly $128 million has been earmarked for FSU.
Key initiatives that FSU is requesting funding for include the Translation Hub for Healthy Aging, Healthspan Research, and Digital Health, which collectively amount to around $70.5 million. Additionally, the university seeks $10 million for the Florida Behavioral Health Center of Excellence and $56 million to advance research in magnetic science and technology through its MagLab.
The maximum allowed fee increase has been outlined as a necessary measure to confront budget shortfalls faced by Florida universities. With a focus on increasing enrollment and sustaining operational capabilities, FSU’s initiative represents a critical step in maintaining its competitive edge and supporting ongoing educational services.
As FSU prepares for the upcoming vote and semester, the implications of these fee adjustments are poised to affect a significant number of out-of-state students, reinforcing the importance of affordability and accessibility in higher education within the state.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee: FSU Out-of-State Fee Increase
- WTXL: FSU Tuition Fee Consideration
- Gainesville: UF Out-of-State Tuition Increase
- WCJB: UF Out-of-State Tuition Hike
- Orlando Sentinel: UF Out-of-State Fees Raise
- Wikipedia: Higher Education in Florida
- Google Search: Florida Out-of-State Tuition 2025
- Google Scholar: Out-of-State Tuition Increase Florida
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Higher Education
- Google News: Florida Tuition Increase
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.
