KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee, Knoxville has proposed a zero tuition increase for the 2026 fiscal year, following the approval of the university’s budget by the Campus Advisory Board. The decision, which will affect both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students, underscores the university’s commitment to maintaining affordability and accessibility.
Paul Byrnes, Senior Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, shared the news with the board on Friday, highlighting the university’s dedication to providing high-quality education without increasing the financial burden on students and their families. Byrnes emphasized that the majority of the institution’s financial resources are allocated toward academic purposes and infrastructure that support students and faculty.
“We are committed to ensuring that the University of Tennessee remains an accessible and affordable option for all students,” Byrnes stated. “Keeping tuition steady for the upcoming academic year reaffirms our commitment to delivering high-quality education without increasing the financial burden on students and their families.”
While tuition remains unchanged, the board did approve increases to three of the university’s six mandatory fees, in order to address rising operational costs. These fee increases are as follows:
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Facilities Fee: The in-state facilities fee will increase by $30, while the out-of-state fee will rise by $46. The additional funds will be directed toward covering the increasing costs of materials and services related to new construction and ongoing maintenance on campus.
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Transportation Fee: The transportation fee will see an increase of $24, aimed at supporting expanded transportation services. The additional revenue will help fund services for perimeter parking and provide more alternatives to driving to campus, improving the overall commuting experience for students.
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Library Fee: A $10 increase in the library fee will support the infrastructure needed to sustain student success and retention, as well as enhance research excellence across campus.
The proposed budget will now move forward to the University of Tennessee System Board of Trustees for final approval next month.
This move comes as part of the university’s ongoing efforts to balance financial stability with its commitment to student success. The decision to freeze tuition, while adjusting fees to account for rising costs, reflects a broader trend among institutions of higher education to manage operational costs without significantly increasing the financial burden on students.
