Ann Arbor Times

The Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents has approved a General Fund operating budget of $321.5 million for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The revenue sources include $225.1 million from tuition and fees, $86.5 million in state appropriations, $3.8 million from investment income, and $6.1 million from other revenue streams. The budget outlines expenditures such as $170.8 million for personnel costs, $65 million for University-sponsored financial aid, $44 million for services, supplies, and materials, and a net transfer budget of $41.7 million.

Eastern Michigan University provides financial aid to about 68% of its student body and approximately 90% of first-year students. The Eastern Tuition Advantage scholarship offers free undergraduate tuition to incoming students with a 3.0 GPA and an annual household income below $60,000 for up to four years, provided they meet certain conditions.

Other scholarships available include the Presidential Scholarship covering full tuition and room and board, and the 4WARD Graduation Scholarship offering full tuition in the third and fourth years for students residing on campus throughout their studies.

"This budget reflects our unwavering commitment to student opportunity and academic excellence," stated Eastern Michigan University President James Smith. "By continuing to expand need-based aid -- like the Eastern Tuition Advantage -- we’re ensuring that cost is not a barrier for talented students to pursue their goals."

Tuition will increase by 4.5%, or $764, for undergraduates taking 30 credits per year under the block tuition model where students pay the same rate when taking between 12-16 credits per semester. Doctoral and graduate program tuition will rise by 3%.

Changes may occur if there are adjustments in state budget assumptions once approved by the Legislature; however, any increase will not surpass any state-imposed tuition restraint cap.

State appropriations have significantly decreased since 1980 as part of EMU's general fund budget revenues—from 72% in 1980 to now constituting only a smaller portion compared to tuition fees.

Rising employee salaries, increased prices for goods/services alongside investments in campus security/mental health resources/academic support services are included within this increase.

Additionally approved was an auxiliary funds operating expenditure budget totaling $86.8 million covering housing/food service/athletics costs among others.

Founded in 1849 as Michigan’s second-oldest public university serving nearly thirteen thousand students across various degree programs delivered through multiple colleges recognized nationally for excellence/diversity/applied education focus.

For further information about Eastern Michigan University or updates visit their official website or EMU Today news platform online.