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BOV freezes base undergrad tuition, with some other increases

Citing the financial stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as an altered learning environment and an “abnormal” student experience, the University of Virginia will hold base undergraduate tuition at its current rate for the 2021-22 school year.

The freeze was proposed by the administration after meeting with student groups, getting input from parents and students, and consulting with the Board of Visitors, and was approved by the Board at a special meeting April 13. For full-time first-year in-state students in the College, the rate stays at $14,188.

“This is the right thing to do at this moment, and we are thankful for all of the thoughtful input we have received, which helped us arrive at this point,” said President James E. Ryan (Law ’92).

Room rates will rise 2.3 percent and board will increase by 2.7 percent. Tuition rates for graduate and professional programs will increase based on market demand, cost of instruction, and each school’s strategic priorities. The base undergraduate tuition freeze does not apply to previously approved upper-division tuition differentials. 

The Board approved a $114 increase in the mandatory non-education and general fee for students. Of the increase, $75 will address increases in Student Health volume, and $39 will address operational needs in athletics, recreational facilities and Newcomb Hall.

The pandemic has led to $100 million in extra expenses and lost revenues for UVA, according to University sources. While federal and state aid has offset some of the loss, the University has also implemented hiring and salary freezes, and reduced budgets and discretionary spending.

“The University continues to offer one of the best values in higher education, and this tuition proposal reflects our commitment to access and affordability,” UVA Rector James B. Murray Jr. (Col ’68) said. “Tuition has been, and continues to be, the last lever used to meet spending needs, and we are especially sensitive this year to the hardships that COVID has created.”