West Virginia University Unveils Ambitious $1.29B Budget for 2026: What It Means for Students and the Future

MORGANTOWN — West Virginia University (WVU) is gearing up for the 2026 fiscal year with a budget of $1.29 billion. This plan highlights a growing issue: as tuition rises, enrollment is struggling.

The budget predicts $550 million in tuition and fees, with increased rates across the board. For in-state undergraduates, tuition will rise to $5,376—up by $324. Non-resident undergraduates will see an increase to $15,216, a jump of $912. Graduate students will also face higher fees, with in-state tuition rising to $6,066 and non-resident fees hitting $15,714.

The cost of living will also see changes. Housing rates will rise between $122 and $234 per semester on the main campus, while dining costs will increase from $8 to $77, depending on the meal plan chosen. Similar hikes are expected at the regional campuses, Potomac State College and WVU Institute of Technology.

WVU anticipates a total enrollment of about 24,527 students, with Morgantown alone predicting 4,400 new freshmen, alongside 13,145 returning undergraduates and 5,068 graduate students. This is a notable decline from the 29,107 students reported in fall 2020.

Looking deeper into the numbers, experts highlight how rising tuition can discourage potential students. According to a recent study from the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 15% of students in the U.S. choose not to enroll in college due to high costs. This trend raises concerns for universities like WVU not just about how many students they attract, but also about their long-term financial health.

On the expense side, WVU plans to spend $776 million on salaries, benefits, and another $265 million on supplies and services. They have allocated nearly $76 million for capital projects, including maintaining existing facilities and equipment.

WVU’s system spans a large footprint, with 518 buildings over 15,880 acres. The Morgantown campus alone contains 245 buildings on nearly 2,000 acres. As educational expenses rise, the challenge will be balancing budgets while ensuring accessibility for students.

These changes are significant, reflecting broader trends in higher education across the country. As institutions adapt to shifting enrollment patterns and rising costs, students, parents, and policymakers will be watching closely to see how this will impact the future of education in West Virginia.



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