University of Oklahoma raises tuition despite opposition from governor, state lawmakers

OKLAHOMA CITY –  The University of Oklahoma Board of Regents last week voted to raise tuition for the fifth consecutive year. 

 A 3% increase will apply to tuition and mandatory fees for most undergraduate and graduate students on  OU’s Norman campus and online programs, the university announced. 

Students at the health sciences center will see a 2% to 4% increase for most undergraduate and graduate programs and 10 professional programs.

OU President Joseph Harroz said the average cost for a freshman resident to attend OU is less than six years ago, despite tuition increases, because the university has given more need-based aid and scholarships.

Raising tuition and fees will help the university recruit and retain faculty and staff, as well as expand students’ options for study abroad, undergraduate research and “high-impact learning experiences,” Harroz wrote in a June 12 letter. OU also will use the funds to address critical deferred maintenance projects, he wrote.

The increase will become effective this fall. OU did not respond to requests for additional comment.

In a June 4 press conference, Gov. Kevin Stitt said  a tuition increase isn’t necessary. 

“My gut feeling is, no, we don’t need a tuition increase at this point,” Stitt said. “I don’t think we’ve gotten all of the efficiency out of our universities.”

Key lawmakers also expressed concerns.

“The Senate and Senate Education Committee has been clear for years that an increase is not in the best interest of students,” said Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry, the Senate’s budget leader. “Universities should do what they can to help students attending their schools learn while doing everything they can to make it affordable.”

Oklahoma State University won’t see any tuition increases after the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents voted against it for the fourth year in a row. 

“For Oklahoma State University to keep tuition and mandatory fees flat this year puts students and families first,” said Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, who leads the Senate Education Committee. “As tuition continues to rise nationwide, OSU’s choice to hold the line demonstrates a commitment to affordability without compromising educational quality.”