Durham, NH – As the University of New Hampshire (UNH) prepares to implement budget cuts of up to $20 million in the upcoming fiscal year, incoming students are facing an added financial burden: a tuition hike. Due to financial challenges, UNH has announced a tuition increase for the 2025-2026 academic year, adding new stress for students and families already grappling with the cost of higher education.

The university’s decision to raise tuition comes in response to significant budgetary constraints. In the previous fiscal year, UNH faced a $14 million shortfall, leading to the elimination of over 60 staff positions. This year, the anticipated cuts are even more substantial, prompting the administration to consider measures such as tuition hikes to bridge the financial gap. But with the impending increase, families who had planned their budgets based on previous rates are now reconsidering their financial options, exploring additional loans, scholarships, and work opportunities to bridge the gap.

The tuition hike is part of UNH’s response to significant financial challenges, including last year’s $14 million budget shortfall that resulted in over 60 staff cuts. With further reductions on the horizon, the university is looking for ways to maintain academic quality while addressing budget constraints. However, students worry that the combination of rising tuition and spending cuts could impact class sizes, student services, and campus resources.

For those entering UNH in the fall, the financial landscape is shifting. Many had expected to pay one price but will now have to adjust to the reality of higher costs, adding another layer of complexity to an already stressful college decision process. As tuition increases and budget cuts take effect, students are left questioning how these financial challenges will shape their experience at UNH.