Introduction to Fee Increases
Florida State University on Thursday joined the University of Florida in approving plans to increase costs for out-of-state students during the upcoming academic year.
The FSU Board of Trustees approved 10% increases in fees that are charged to out-of-state students on top of the tuition charged to all students. The University of Florida Board of Trustees approved a similar proposal Wednesday.
The increases will not affect students who are Florida residents.
Rationale Behind the Increases
FSU officials said such fees and tuition have not been increased in more than a decade, while the costs of operating the university have risen.
“The bottom line is we have to figure out how to move the university forward,” Board of Trustees Chairman Peter Collins said. “And when you don’t raise tuition for 14 years and you’re doing more, and everything costs more, you know, there’s not a lot of levers we can pull. Everybody wants in-state tuition to be as affordable as possible. But on the out-of-state tuition, many of these people are coming to Florida State at fractions of what their own in-state tuition is.”
State University System Approval
The FSU and UF decisions came after the state university system’s Board of Governors last month approved allowing universities to increase out-of-state student fees.
Kyle Clark, FSU’s senior vice president for finance and administration, said Florida A&M University, Florida International University, the University of South Florida and the University of Central Florida are considering similar increases.
Impact on Students
The 10% increase in fees for out-of-state students is expected to have a significant impact on their finances. However, it’s worth noting that these students are still paying less than what they would pay at their home state universities.
The increase in fees is also expected to generate additional revenue for the university, which can be used to improve facilities and services.
Other Universities Considering Increases
Other universities in the state are also considering increasing fees for out-of-state students. This trend is likely to continue as universities look for ways to offset rising costs.
It’s essential for out-of-state students to factor in these potential increases when planning their finances.
Conclusion
The decision by FSU and UF to increase fees for out-of-state students is a significant development in the state’s higher education landscape. While it may pose challenges for some students, it’s also an opportunity for universities to generate additional revenue and improve their services.
Originally Published: July 24, 2025 at 4:57 PM EDT
FAQs
Q: Will the fee increase affect in-state students?
A: No, the fee increase will only affect out-of-state students.
Q: How much is the fee increase?
A: The fee increase is 10% of the current fees charged to out-of-state students.
Q: Why are universities increasing fees for out-of-state students?
A: Universities are increasing fees to offset rising costs and generate additional revenue.
Q: Are other universities in the state considering similar increases?
A: Yes, several other universities in the state are considering increasing fees for out-of-state students.