UW–Madison’s Taylor Odle recently shared his expertise with local media about what the Universities of Wisconsin tuition increases for the 2026-27 academic year mean for students and families.

Earlier this month, the UW Board of Regents approved a 2% tuition increase for in-state undergraduate students, along with roughly comparable increases in fees and room and board costs. The increase marks the fourth consecutive year of tuition hikes following a decade-long freeze.

Odle, an assistant professor in the School of Education’s Department of Educational Policy Studies, discussed the decision with Frederica Freyburg on PBS Wisconsin’s “Here & Now.” He acknowledged that the increases represent “real money for students and families” but stressed that rising costs are affecting universities as well.

In the end, he said, “two percent is relatively modest and predictable, and below the rate of inflation right now.”

Odle also encouraged students and families to focus on the net price of college — the amount paid after grants and scholarships — rather than the published sticker price. While tuition has increased over time, he noted that net costs for many families have remained relatively stable in recent years because UW institutions have directed a portion of tuition revenue toward financial aid.

Speaking with WKOW, Odle emphasized many of the same themes. He characterized the increase as “reasonable, modest, and necessary,” arguing that years of limited state investment, coupled with inflation and higher operating costs, have left tuition revenue as one of the few mechanisms campuses can use to generate additional funding.

“This increase is absolutely fiscally necessary to keep the lights on at the end of the day and continue to invest in programs that serve students and the state of Wisconsin,” he said.

Odle added that increased investments in financial aid have helped lower the net price many students pay, even as tuition rates have risen.