The University of Nebraska Board of Regents on Thursday approved the university’s 2026-27 operating budget, including a 4.25% tuition increase. The increase, which follows a period of inflation, will take effect for the 2026-27 academic year.
The budget also calls for about $8 million in reduced spending to offset previous cuts that have not yet been fully realized. Much of the reduction has already been realized through voluntary retirement programs, administrative consolidations and operational efficiencies.
“Like many universities across the country, we continue to face challenges related to rising costs, declining state support and ongoing federal pressures,” University of Nebraska President Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, said during his remarks to the board. “We remain committed to fiscal responsibility, affordability and ensuring that every dollar entrusted to us is used wisely in support of students, our mission, and the future of Nebraska.”
During his remarks to the board, Dr. Gold highlighted momentum and accomplishments across all four NU campuses. He began by highlighting finalization of the joint accreditation process between the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and UNMC, which is anticipated later this month. The final approval, which will be granted by the U.S. Department of Education, will cap two years of work and allow the campuses to more fully and accurately represent the impact of the research, teaching, outreach and Extension work taking place across both campuses.
“By now reporting key institutional metrics such as enrollment, degrees awarded, faculty honors and research expenditures of UNL and UNMC together, we will more fully reflect the scale and strength of our work and align ourselves with the reporting structures used by many of our Big Ten and AAU peers,” said Dr. Gold.
Dr. Gold highlighted the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s role as a co-host and important collaborator of the College World Series. UNO students are working as broadcasters, athletic trainers and operations staff. At the University of Nebraska at Kearney, several students have been selected to participate in the nationally recognized Student Spaceflight Experiments Program, which will culminate in a student-designed experiment to be launched aboard a SpaceX mission to the International Space Station in 2027. At UNMC, the Interprofessional Experiential Center for Enduring Learning, or iEXCEL, program has achieved reaccreditation from the American College of Surgeons as a Comprehensive Education, reflecting Nebraska’s leadership in virtual reality and simulation-based education.
And UNL has been recognized as one of the top 40 programs globally for agriculture and natural resources by QS World Rankings. In addition, UNL’s Ed Cahoon, PhD, professor of biochemistry and director of the Center for Plant Science Innovation, was recently elected to the National Academy of Sciences.
Finally, Dr. Gold recognized the impact of Regent Emeritus James McClurg, who passed away earlier this month.
“Regent McClurg’s leadership was marked by integrity, humility and a deep commitment to public service. He understood that the decisions made around this table have consequences not just for today, but for future generations of Nebraskans,” said Dr. Gold. “Because of his leadership, our university is stronger, our mission is clearer and our future is brighter.”
Dr. Gold concluded his remarks with a moment of silence in honor of McClurg.
In other business, the board:
- Formally approved the establishment of the system-wide Artificial Intelligence Institute;
- Approved several administrative appointments, including those of UNMC Dean of the College of Allied Health Professions Tammy Webster, PhD, and UNL Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation Jen Nelson, PhD. Both appointments will take effect July 1.