Ball State holds public hearing, will not increase tuition prices

This story has been updated to correct an error regarding the date of the previous Board of Trustees meeting May 2.

On June 6, Ball State University held a public hearing regarding its stance on tuition and fee increase rates.  Associate Vice president and Chief Budget Officer of the university Scott Stachler read a statement.  

“Ball State understands the economic challenges for both the state as well as our future students and families,” Stachler said.  

The Commission for Higher Education held a meeting in early May to assess tuition and fee recommendations as well as a budget update for the state of Indiana. According to the Commission, Indiana Governor Mike Braun had called for the commission’s targets, including public schools, to hold tuition and mandatory fees flat for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years.  

“We will recommend our Board of Trustees adhere to the tuition targets and approve no increases in tuition of mandatory fees for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years in addition to tuition of mandatory fees,” Stachler said.

In an email from the university sent following the May 2 Board of Trustees meeting, President Geoffrey Mearns wrote, “As you know, our annual operating appropriations were reduced by 5%, and the state budget director may also hold back an additional 5%.

While these reductions are unfortunate, I am confident that we will manage this fiscal challenge without impairing our ability to support our students and to continue serving our community.”

Course program fees and non-resident fees will also not face any increases at this time.  

There will be a budget meeting June 13 located in the Forum Room in L.A. Pittenger Student Center on Ball State’s campus. 

Contact Kylee White via email at kylee.white@bsu.edu.