JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – UNF is moving forward with higher costs for some students starting in Fall 2026, including a 5% increase in on-campus housing rental rates and a 15% increase in out-of-state tuition-related fees.
The University of North Florida Board of Trustees passed the proposed increases during its quarterly meeting on Tuesday.
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UNF said tuition and fee revenue helps pay for instruction, salaries, benefits and operational costs, and noted the university’s last tuition increase was in 2013.
Housing rates to rise 5%
UNF Housing and Residence Life proposed the 5% rental rate increase for the 2026–2027 academic year, citing inflation-driven operational and maintenance costs. University officials also said the increase is needed to remain compliant with bond covenants tied to housing financing.
During the discussion, trustees acknowledged the impact on students’ budgets but also that they had little choice in agreeing to the increases because of inflation and other concerns.
Student Body President Hazel Joseph urged the board to keep affordability in mind, questioning why steadier increases were not made earlier to avoid a sharper jump.
“I understand where the proposal is coming from and the financial regulations and responsibilities that the university has to consider,” Joseph said. “However, I naturally look at this from a student perspective. Cost is something students talk about a lot.”
The housing increase ultimately passed, with officials noting future housing rate increases in 2027–2028 and 2028–2029 would not exceed 5% each year under the proposal.
Out-of-state fees to increase 15%
UNF also asked the trustees to agree to a 15% increase to the Non-Resident Undergraduate and Non-Resident Graduate out-of-state fee and financial aid fee, also effective Fall 2026.
University officials said UNF’s out-of-state student population currently sits around 6% to 7%, and the increased fee is expected to generate $1 million to $2 million in additional revenue.
They also said additional financial aid would be added to the budget to help students with need.
Under the proposal, which passed, the current out-of-state fee of $457.27 will increase to $525.86.