The Arkansas Tech University Board of Trustees approved a balanced 2026-27 fiscal year operating budget for ATU during a meeting at Chambers Cafeteria West Dining Room on Thursday, May 21.
The $170,944,851 budget includes an increase of $832,800 in state appropriation to ATU for fiscal year 2027 and a $242,246 increase in fiscal year 2027 designated state aid for Arkansas Tech Career Center.
ATU’s fiscal year 2027 budget accounts for an anticipated increase in health insurance costs and increases in utilities due to the increased cost of electricity.
Tuition and fees on the ATU campus in Russellville will increase 2.56 percent in fiscal year 2027 as compared to fiscal year 2026.
Tuition and mandatory fees for an undergraduate student enrolled in 15 hours at Arkansas Tech in Russellville during the 2026-27 academic year will be $5,244.30 per semester.
“To state it simply, it will cost an additional $130.80 per semester for an undergraduate student to attend Arkansas Tech in Russellville next year as compared to the 2025-26 academic year,” said Dr. Russell Jones, ATU president. “We would much prefer a zero increase, but the reality of inflationary pressures…particularly in the realms of utilities and insurance…did not make that possible this year. My promise to Arkansas Tech students and their families is that maintaining affordability is a constant focus for our university. We will continue to seek out every opportunity to hold down our operating expenses while providing high-quality academic and co-curricular programs that create life-changing experiences and opportunities for our students.”
Graduate tuition and mandatory fees at Arkansas Tech in Russellville will also increase by 2.56 percent in 2026-27, while tuition for the career education and skilled trades programs offered at ATU-Ozark will increase $4.20 per student semester credit hour (SSCH) from $140.09 per SSCH in 2025-26 to $144.29 per SSCH in 2026-27.
