WISCONSIN — Wisconsin college students enrolled in the University of Wisconsin System will see a tuition hike for the first time in 10 years.

In contrast, out-of-state students have had tuition rise over the last decade. In 2013, Wisconsin enacted a tuition freeze on the UW System. However, Jay Rothman, who became the president of the UW System in 2022, said the freeze was not sustainable, citing increased costs and accelerated inflation.

The UW System Board of Regents approved the increase on Thursday. The average approved increase across the system was 4.5%. Including other fee increases, the total increase averaged out to 4.9%. The new in-state rates will start in the 2023-24 school year.

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls account for the largest increase by dollar amount alone. Each school will see tuition go up by $468. The University of Wisconsin-Superior has the smallest increase in dollar amount, with tuition rising by $323. 

“The recommended base resident undergraduate tuition increases of 4.5% equates to $372 at UW-Madison, $364 at UW-Milwaukee, $283 at the UW Comprehensive campuses, and $214 at the branch campuses annually,” the UW System Board of Regents said. “This funding will be used to cover the tuition share of the 2023-24 compensation needs for pay plan and fringe benefits including the Board of Regents’ compensation request of 4% effective 1/1/24. The tuition share is estimated to cost $24.5 million.”

There are nearly 161,000 students on UW System campuses.

Here are the tuition increases by campus: