Students at the University of Wisconsin-Superior enrolled in the 2023-2024
semesters likely noticed the increased tuition or that their financial aid didn’t cover as much as years prior. Tuition at all UW System universities increased this year after a ten-year freeze put in place by the state legislature in 2013.
Each university had individual increases, averaging 4.9% according to UW Systems’ website. However, according to the Wisconsin State Journal, UWS saw the lowest increase, with a 3.6% hike. The ten-year tuition freeze was put in place by Wisconsin Republicans in 2013. Jay Rothman, who has served as president of the UW System since 2022, said the tuition freeze was “not sustainable” due to inflation and the increased cost of living.
The UW System Board of Regents approved the tuition increase in March this year, as reported by Spectrum News 1. The Wisconsin state legislature voted on this issue in 2021, ending the freeze two years earlier than anticipated, but tuition was not raised until this year. The original tuition freeze was signed into law by then-Governor Scott Walker in 2013 and has had bipartisan support.
At the time of the 2021 legislative session, WUWM reported State Rep. Dale Kooyenga warned, “If the UW decides to jack up tuition in a tone-deaf manner, this body will take action.”
The Badger Herald reported student fees, housing, meal plans, and out-of-state tuition have also increased. Many of the increased costs are expected to disproportionately affect specific programs, such as STEM majors.
To offset the costs of rising tuition, be sure to renew your FAFSA every school year and apply for scholarships through the Department of Labor’s free scholarship search tool. A link will be available on
