System Funding

Providing top-quality educational programs at a reasonable cost to Washington families is one of the greatest challenges facing the state today.  Tuition costs are rising as institutions try to maintain program quality and educate more students during a time of state funding cuts resulting from difficult economic times.

Consistent with the state's 10-year strategic plan, the Washington Student Achievement Council identifies budget priorities and levels of funding needed by two-and four-year institutions of higher education and state financial aid programs. In odd-numbered years, the Council outlines fiscal priorities under the 10-year plan, and it presents annual recommendations on operating budget priorities.

The Council also prepares a national comparison of tuition and fees for use by legislators and institutions in making tuition-policy decisions.

Washington tuition and fee rates - past and present