UC Regents approve new tuition hikes up to 5% a year starting in 2026

The University of California Board of Regents approved a renewed tuition stability plan that will raise tuition for new UC students beginning in 2026. The policy allows annual increases of up to 5% and locks tuition for each incoming class for six years. It also reduces the share of new tuition revenue set aside for financial aid from 45% to 40%, eventually phasing down to 33%. Student leaders argue the changes will make college less affordable for low- and middle-income families, citing rising housing and food insecurity on UC campuses. Regents questioned UC officials about the impact on access and affordability, while UC leadership countered claims about the scale of tuition growth. The vote comes as UC salary records show raises for non-union staff and top executives.