BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — The Western Kentucky University Board of Regents on Thursday approved a 1.69% tuition increase for undergraduate students as part of a $405.1 million operating budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

The increase raises undergraduate tuition by $204 per semester, bringing the cost to $6,240 for the upcoming academic year.

According to the university, the budget represents an increase of approximately $1 million, or 0.25%, from the current fiscal year and marks the second consecutive year WKU has adopted a structurally balanced budget without relying on carry-forward funds. The university said the 2025-26 budget was the first in more than two decades to achieve that milestone.

“The approval of this budget reflects the university’s continued commitment to responsible stewardship and long-term financial sustainability,” WKU President Timothy C. Caboni said in a news release.

Tuition and fees account for 47% of projected revenue in the budget, while state appropriations make up 21%, according to the university. Personnel costs, including salaries and benefits, remain the university’s largest expense.

The board also approved several academic program suspensions, including bachelor's degree programs in advertising, public relations, geologic services and environmental, sustainability and geographic studies. The Master of Science in kinesiology was also suspended.

In other action, the board approved a microgrid project at WKU’s Innovation Campus, accepted the university’s financial report for the nine-month period ending March 31 and approved contract actions involving several athletic coaches.

The board’s next quarterly meeting is scheduled for Aug. 14 following its annual retreat on Aug. 13, according to the university.