UM-Flint's 2025-26 budget increases financial aid by $2M

The University of Michigan-Flint's 2025-26 fiscal year budget increases institutional financial aid for students while empowering the university to advance its bold curricular innovation and groundbreaking student support efforts, thanks to a $138.4 million general fund budget approved by the Board of Regents June 12.

The FY 2026 budget outlines spending for the fiscal year beginning July 1 and assumes a state appropriation of $27 million. The actual state appropriation will be known after the state budget is announced in the coming weeks.

Tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students will increase by 4.9% to $7,811 per semester for the most common lower-division rate. Most graduate students will see tuition and fees increase by 3.5%. 

Institutional financial aid is bolstered by $2 million in the FY 2026 budget, for a total of $16.3 million in support for students. The increase allows students to access UM-Flint's career-focused education at a cost that makes sense for their futures. 

"UM-Flint is investing heavily in new degree programs and support services that will help students find meaningful, profitable careers in a rapidly changing marketplace," said UM-Flint Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander. "At the same time, we are working to ensure that these programs and services are accessible to students by expanding institutional aid to reduce financial barriers and enhance affordability. We aim to attract a diverse range of learners and ensure that everyone can benefit from a UM-Flint education."

The new budget accommodates UM-Flint's recent enrollment growth while supporting ongoing efforts to attract and retain top students. 

"We recorded an increase in total enrollment for the second consecutive year in fall 2024, gaining nearly 400 students and increasing in key areas such as transfer, graduate and overall student retention," said Alexander. "Our FY 2026 budget allows the university to continue providing unparalleled educational opportunities for our current scholars while paving the way for continued growth."

Also approved during the meeting were 5% increases for UM-Flint's housing and meal plan rates.

The cost of the First Street Residence Hall, including the required meal plan, will start at $15,092. Rates for the Riverfront Residence Hall, which does not require a meal plan, begin at $7,654.

"This budget strongly supports UM-Flint's vision of preparing leaders through academic excellence, student-centeredness and engaged citizenship," continued Alexander. "As evidenced by two years of increasing enrollment, our downtown campus offers a dynamic learning environment defined by collaboration–both with the community and between students, faculty and staff. During this fiscal year, we will build on our recruitment and retention successes while continuing our commitment to academic excellence and innovation."