PULLMAN, WA – The Washington State University Board of Regents voted to raise tuition by 3.3% for the 2026-27 academic year on November 14, resulting in a $385 annual increase for in-state undergraduate students and $445 for graduate students.
While tuition is increasing, approximately 36% of in-state undergraduate students now receive scholarships or financial aid and pay no tuition out of pocket, up from 31% a decade ago. More than 56% of in-state undergraduates now complete their studies with no loan debt, compared to 29.6% in 2014.
Regents also approved a $12 million project budget for upgrades to Gesa Field, including a new videoboard, sound system, and LED lights, entirely funded by private donations. WSU Athletics must raise $8 million in donor support by December 15 to complete the improvements before the 2026 football season and has already secured $6 million in signed pledges.
In other actions, regents approved moving the Department of Social Work from the College of Nursing to the College of Education, Sport and Human Sciences, and a renovation to the Southside Dining and Market rotunda on the Pullman campus. The board also heard a presentation on a new economic impact study showing WSU’s operations generate $4 billion, with $12 generated for every $1 in state appropriations.
