Braun announces statewide tuition freeze at Indiana’s public colleges and universities

Indiana’s 15 public colleges and universities will freeze in-state undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees for the next two academic years, Gov. Mike Braun announced Monday morning.

The Republican governor called the move a “historic” step toward making higher education more affordable.

The freeze applies to all flagship and regional campuses across the state and will keep costs flat through the 2026-2027 academic year. 

That includes Ball State University; Indiana State University; Indiana University’s Bloomington, East, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Kokomo, Northwest, South Bend and Southeast campuses; Ivy Tech Community College; Purdue’s West Lafayette, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Northwest campuses; University of Southern Indiana; and Vincennes University.

It marks the first time since at least 2010 that more than two Hoosier campuses have simultaneously frozen tuition — and the first time ever that all state colleges and universities have done so at once, according to Braun’s office.

“A month ago, we challenged our state’s public higher education institutions to find efficiencies, eliminate redundancies and identify ways to streamline services without compromising quality,” Braun said in a statement. “The commitment made by all of Indiana’s public colleges and universities puts students and parents first and demonstrates to the rest of the country that Indiana is a leader in providing a high quality education at an affordable price.”

Schools can still raise rates for room and board, however, and some institutions will additionally raise attendance costs for international students.

Higher education costs in the spotlight

The tuition freeze came at Braun’s request, just weeks after he signed Indiana’s next two-year state budget, which takes effect July 1. 

Under state law, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE) must issue tuition recommendations within 30 days of the budget’s approval. Typically, each university system sets its own tuition schedule, which is approved by CHE. 

But last month, commissioners instead announced their unanimous support for the governor’s recommendation to implement the 0% increase. It was the first such recommendation ever made by the higher education panel.

“While the Commission, along with our institutions and other partners, have leveraged policies, programs, and partnerships to keep our colleges and universities affordable, we all recognize the economic challenges our fellow Hoosiers have faced over the past several years,” said Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Chris Lowery. “In the spirit of seeking to maintain Indiana’s national leadership in affordability, the Commission is in full support of Gov. Braun’s recommendation for a 0% tuition increase.” 

The announcement also comes amid growing national concern over the cost of college and rising student debt. While Indiana’s tuition rates are generally lower than other states, scrutiny about affordability has increased.

CHE officials reported last year that nearly 70% of Hoosier undergraduates receive some form of financial aid — but out-of-pocket expenses remain a barrier, particularly for first-generation and low-income students.

Facing a weak state revenue forecast, state agencies and universities — were hit with funding cuts of at least 5%, plus an additional 5% reduction in reversions. 

Braun defended the freeze, however, noting that state colleges and universities are well-positioned to absorb reductions.

“Out of all state entities, our higher education institutions are in the best financial position to weather these cuts, as state funding represents just one of the revenue streams — and institutions hold strong financial reserves,” Braun said in May. 

“Higher education institutions should address the reductions in the same way as other state entities: by refocusing on their core missions, finding efficiencies, eliminating redundancies, and identifying ways to streamline the delivery of higher education,” he continued. 

Braun pointed to success at Purdue University, where tuition and mandatory fees have stayed flat for 14 years while still “delivering successfully on (the institution’s) core mission.” 

New policy already taking effect

Across the state, campuses had already started putting the governor’s plan into action.

Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana’s largest postsecondary system by enrollment, approved its freeze earlier this month. The two-year college system has over 40 locations statewide.

At their June 12 meeting, Indiana University trustees confirmed a tuition freeze at the Bloomington flagship, as well as at campuses in Indianapolis, Kokomo, Richmond, Gary, South Bend and New Albany.

Commissioners preview changing higher education landscape

Purdue University additionally announced this month that it will maintain its longstanding freeze at the West Lafayette campus. Regional campuses in Fort Wayne and Northwest will also keep tuition flat.

Indiana State University, which has faced enrollment challenges in recent years, will participate in the tuition freeze while continuing efforts to grow its student base.

University of Southern Indiana (USI) and Vincennes University will both hold rates steady, too. 

USI student Samantha Fleischaker, who serves on the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, said in a statement that the decision will make college more accessible for families across the state.

“Keeping tuition flat keeps the door open for students of all backgrounds, all ZIP codes, and all walks of life,” Fleischaker said. “It’s not just a number. It’s the difference between opportunity and what feels impossible.”

Ball State University in Muncie will hold base undergraduate tuition steady, but school officials said room and board costs will increase slightly.

It’s not yet clear if other institutions will also raise ancillary charges, like for housing or program-specific fees.

Several institutions are further planning increases for non‑residents and international students. Purdue, for example, is raising international student fees by $500 per semester and implementing a 3% annual tuition increase for non‑resident and international undergraduates at its regional campuses starting this fall.