The Policy Analysis and Research unit is pleased to share with you an advance copy of the latest WICHE Insights brief, Tuition and Fees, Appropriations, and Financial Aid in the West, AY 2023-24: Trends and Implications. This edition of WICHE Insights discusses the most recent results of WICHE’s annual survey, Tuition and Fees in the West, as well as the recent trends in state appropriations and state financial aid. Overall, the most recent data highlight positive trends in tuition, appropriations, and grant aid. The annual increases in tuition and fees were below the rate of inflation and total appropriations to higher education increased by 8% for the second year in a row. Additionally, many states have made significant investments in addressing affordability barriers over the past year, both by expanding access to aid programs and supporting efforts intended to reduce time to completion for students. Looking ahead, there is mounting concern that delays in the rollout of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and technical glitches with its implementation could lead to enrollment declines in the fall, with greater impacts on the enrollment of low-income students. Key takeaways from the brief include:
- Regional average tuition and fees for resident undergraduates at public four-year institutions was $10,708 in AY 2023-24, an increase of 3% from AY 2022-23.
- Regional average in-district tuition and fees at public two-year institutions, excluding California, were $4,489 in AY 2023-24 and increased 3.8% from the year prior. When including California, the regional average tuition and fees were $2,444 in AY 2023-24, an increase of 2.3% from AY 2022-23.
- Thirteen states in the WICHE region increased or maintained state fiscal support in FY 2024 compared to FY 2023.
- Total state financial aid dollars in the West have increased substantially in the past decade with more need-based aid awarded than the national average.
- Recent enrollment declines and wavering public perception of higher education present potential challenges for institutions and states.
