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Bill

HB 1312

Virginia student tuition and mandatory fees; two-year freeze.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by J.J. Singh

Freeze Virginia public university tuition and mandatory fees for two years to improve student affordability while risking institutional budget constraints and educational investment capacity.

Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1312)
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Bill Summary · HB 1312

Legislative bill overview

HB 1312 proposes a two-year freeze on student tuition and mandatory fees at Virginia's public colleges and universities. The bill would prevent any increases to these charges for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 academic years, locking in current rates for students during that period.

Why is this important

Rising tuition costs have made higher education increasingly unaffordable for many Virginia families, and this freeze would provide temporary financial relief and predictability for students planning their education expenses. However, the freeze creates significant budgetary questions about how institutions will fund operations, maintain facilities, and support programs without revenue growth during inflationary periods.

Potential points of contention

  • Institutional funding impact: Universities may struggle to cover operational costs, employee salaries, and facility maintenance without tuition revenue increases, potentially forcing program cuts or service reductions
  • Quality and competitiveness concerns: A tuition freeze could limit universities' ability to invest in infrastructure, technology, and faculty recruitment, potentially affecting educational quality and competitiveness with out-of-state institutions
  • Mandatory fees scope: The definition and treatment of "mandatory fees" (technology, health services, facilities) versus tuition remains unclear and could be subject to reclassification workarounds

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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