The Indiana Commission for Higher Education unanimously recommended tuition and mandatory fees be held flat at all seven of the state’s public colleges and universities.
News release from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education:
Governor Mike Braun recommends state public institutions hold tuition and mandatory fees flat
Indiana Commission for Higher Education unanimously affirms recommendationIndianapolis, Indiana (May 15, 2025) — For the first time ever, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education unanimously recommended tuition and mandatory fees be held flat at all seven of the state’s public colleges and universities. This aligns with the recommendation of Governor Mike Braun, who has encouraged all public entities, including higher education institutions, to find ways to be more efficient with taxpayer dollars.
“One of the first things I did after taking office in January was to direct all state agencies to cut expenses by at least 5%,” said Gov. Braun. “There are efficiencies and savings to be found in all levels of state government, and our priority as leaders is to identify those without compromising services for Hoosiers.”
In the final days of the 2025 legislative session, the state’s revenue forecast showed Indiana faced a $2.4 billion budget shortfall over the next two years. In the final adopted budget, nearly all state agencies, as well as higher education institutions, received at least a 5% operating reduction, with an additional 5% held in reserve. As agencies find ways to reduce costs across state government, today’s recommendation by the Commission helps to ensure these costs will not be passed on to students and parents and to maintain Indiana’s national leadership in affordability.
“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,” said Gov. Braun. “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. Fortunately, we know this is possible, as demonstrated by the bold leadership of Mitch Daniels and Mung Chiang at Purdue University, where they have held tuition and mandatory fees flat for 14 years while delivering successfully on their core mission.”
Pursuant to Indiana Code 21-14-2-12.5, during each biennium, the Commission must make tuition and mandatory fee recommendations for Indiana’s public institutions within 30 days of the enactment of the state budget. Any institution seeking to increase tuition beyond the recommendation must formally present a justification to the State Budget Committee.
“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.”
“Keeping tuition flat keeps the door open for students of all backgrounds, all zip codes, and all walks of life,” said student Commission member and University of Southern Indiana student Samantha Fleischaker. “It sends the message that education is not just for one demographic – it’s for all people. It’s not just a number. It’s the difference between opportunity and what feels impossible.”
About the Indiana Commission for Higher Education
Created in 1971, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE, Commission) is the State’s coordinating agency, driven to improve economic and social mobility for fellow Hoosiers through higher education, and is a part of Governor Mike Braun’s Office of Education. The Commission’s HOPE (Hoosier Opportunities & Possibilities through Education) Agenda serves as the agency’s strategic plan and mission through 2030, providing seven goals around enrollment, completion, and graduate retention efforts. The Commission also administers Indiana’s state financial aid programs, including 21st Century Scholars, which celebrates 35 years in 2025.
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