UC Tuition to Climb for New Students After Regents’ Controversial Vote

Officials Cite Budget Gaps and Inflation, Students Warn the Decision Will Deepen Financial Barriers for Low-Income Families

Tuition for incoming University of California students will rise beginning next year after the UC Board of Regents on Wednesday approved a multiyear increase, despite loud opposition from students who rallied at UCLA to protest the move.

The increase will take effect for students who enroll in the school for the fall 2026 session.

Students from all nine UC campuses gathered outside the meeting, holding signs that read “Hands off our tuition” and urging regents to reject the plan. The crowd chanted throughout the morning as the board debated a proposal that allows tuition for new undergraduates to climb by as much as 5% annually. An earlier version of the plan would