CSU Board approves campus budgets for fiscal year 2026-2027

The Board of Governors of the Colorado State University System approved budgets for its campuses this week that keep tuition levels low and preserve fiscal strength amid budget challenges and uncertainty tied to state and federal funding.

Facing a projected state budget shortfall approaching $1.5 billion, the state's final budget recommendation includes essentially flat funding for higher education and a 3.5% cap on resident undergraduate tuition increases. While better than initially anticipated, flat funding does not keep pace with rising operating costs still results in the need to implement budget reductions to balance the budget.

State funding and tuition levels are closely linked, with higher levels of state support typically equating to smaller tuition increases. This year, lawmakers set undergraduate tuition increases at 3.5% for residents.

The CSU System is navigating a complex fiscal environment shaped by rising mandatory costs, constrained state funding, and growing uncertainty around federal research support. These pressures required careful planning and difficult decisions to ensure the university system remains on strong financial footing.

"Colorado's fiscal reality is requiring thoughtful and often difficult choices across higher education, and our campuses are no different," said CSU System Chancellor Tony Frank. "We appreciate the state's continued investment and choice to keep tuition increases modest, although flat funding in the face of rising costs still presents real challenges. In addition, uncertainty around federal research support is constraining institutions to plan conservatively while staying focused on our core mission of access, student success, and impact for the state."

The 2026-2027 fiscal year starts July 1.

CSU Fort Collins

Colorado State University engaged in a months-long scenario planning process, with hundreds of faculty and staff across every college and administrative unit submitting savings ideas, evaluating tradeoffs and working in partnership with shared governance councils to shape a path forward.

From that work, three priorities consistently rose to the top: keeping student success at the center of every decision - ensuring that access, affordability and the support systems students rely on remain strong; protecting the academic and research mission that defines CSU; and supporting employee compensation after several years of rising costs and limited salary growth.

Meeting these commitments required approximately $54 million in budget actions, including $35.8 million in strategic cuts, $3 million in savings from anticipated position vacancies, and $15 million in one-time funds. Those cuts include some level of position reductions across nearly every division and unit through a combination of reduction of vacant and, in a few cases, filled positions. Less than 0.5 percent of the workforce has been affected.

Financial aid will increase in step with tuition, ensuring students with the greatest need are held harmless from any tuition increase. Student-facing programs and services that support persistence and graduation are protected. Faculty and administrative professionals will see a 3 percent merit-based salary increase pool; classified staff compensation is negotiated at the state level. The university will also continue investing in its academic and research enterprise, including major capital investments and the priorities outlined in its long-term Strategic Roadmap 2035.

"Hundreds of people across this campus, working closely with our shared governance groups, stepped up to make hard choices and helped shape a sustainable path forward," CSU President Amy Parsons said. "Because of that work, we are supporting our shared priorities, investing in student access and financial aid, in our people, and in academic and research excellence."

CSU Pueblo

Colorado State University Pueblo addressed a $2.4 million structural deficit for FY27 through a combination of budget restructuring, operational efficiencies, and organizational changes. The university will increase tuition by 3.5% for Colorado residents and 5% for nonresident students.

The budget plan includes approximately $1 million in savings within the Education and General (E&G) budget and an additional $1 million within the athletics budget, reflecting efforts across divisions to align ongoing expenses with available revenue.

"These decisions reflect the reality of the current fiscal environment and the thoughtful work of our campus community to identify a sustainable path forward," said CSU Pueblo President Rhonda Epper. "We are focused on aligning our resources with our mission, supporting student success and strengthening our role in preparing graduates for in-demand careers that drive economic growth in Southern Colorado."

As a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, CSU Pueblo remains committed to maintaining student financial aid levels and continuing investments in student support services and academic operations. The university is also investing in its people by preserving equity increases for lecturers and senior lecturers and implementing a 1% salary increase for faculty and administrative staff.

CSU Global

Undergraduate tuition rates at CSU Global, the System's fully online university, will increase by approximately 2.5% from $375 per credit hour to $385 per credit hour. The new rate will go into effect for the university's Fall A term start, July 20, 2026.

The current graduate tuition rate will remain unchanged, as will the undergraduate tuition rate of $250 per credit hour for active-duty, guard, and reserve personnel, including their spouses and eligible dependents. Under the university's tuition lock guarantee, there will be no changes to rates for current active students, including students who enroll and start taking classes before July 20, 2026. CSU Global will continue its practice of not charging out-of-state rates or any student fees.

"We understand that any change in cost matters, and this decision was made after thoughtful consideration to navigate the rising operational costs of delivering a high-quality student experience," said Audra Spicer, Interim President and CEO of CSU Global. "This adjustment helps ensure that CSU Global, as an institution that does not receive state funding, can continue to provide the strong programs and support that are central to our students' educational experience and professional development."

CSU System

The three CSU System campuses support nearly 12,000 jobs across Colorado and generate an estimated $90 million in state and local tax revenue annually. The campuses - CSU in Fort Collins, the state's flagship research university; CSU Pueblo, a regionally focused Hispanic-Serving Institution; and CSU Global, the nation's first fully online public university - together enroll more than 50,000 students each year.