Arizona’s University of Arizona unveils a tuition freeze for in-state undergraduates and a bold plan to expand access for Arizona students for the 2025–26 academic year.
The university announced there will be no tuition increase for in-state undergraduate students for the upcoming year, while rolling out a new enrollment strategy aimed at widening access across the state. “We are launching an exciting new chapter for Arizona’s keystone, land-grant university,” President Suresh Garimella said. “Student success is our North Star, excellence is the standard, and our new leadership team and campus community are aligned and focused on this mission.”
Under the plan, every eligible Arizona student will be guaranteed admission to one of UA’s campuses, including the main Tucson campus, Arizona Online, or the University of Arizona Global Campus. The updated strategy also prioritizes partnerships with K–12 schools and community colleges to create more pathways to a degree.
The approach signals a broader shift toward prioritizing student success over class size. In addition to academics, the university says it will continue investing in resources such as wellness services, career preparation, internships, and study-abroad opportunities. This fall marks the first full academic year under Garimella, who has made affordability and student achievement top priorities.
Summary:
The University of Arizona will not raise in-state undergraduate tuition for 2025–26 and is launching a statewide access plan that guarantees admission for eligible Arizona students, backed by stronger K–12 and community college partnerships and expanded student-support services.
Additional context and value:
– This move centers on affordability and access, potentially improving college participation among Arizona residents and supporting a smoother transfer pipeline from high schools and community colleges.
– The guaranteed admission concept will require ongoing evaluation of capacity and quality across UA’s campuses, as well as continued funding to sustain expanded student services.
– If the initiative succeeds, it could position UA as a leading model for accessible public higher education within the state, reinforcing its mission as a “land-grant” institution focused on statewide student success.
– A positive outlook is that increased pathways, practical supports, and study-abroad opportunities may translate into higher graduation rates and stronger career outcomes for Arizona students.