Morgan State University has officially confirmed that tuition, housing, and meal plan rates will increase beginning in fall 2026, following authorization by the Board of Regents earlier this summer.
In a statement to The Spokesman, the university said a “modest 2% tuition increase for Fall 2026 is necessary to support continued investments in academic excellence and student support services.”
The 2% tuition increase will be accompanied by 5% and 8% hikes for housing and meal plans, respectively. These adjustments will take effect for the 2026–2027 academic year.
“Morgan State University remains deeply mindful of the financial challenges faced by our students and their families,” said David LaChina, executive vice president for finance and administration.
“However, this adjustment aligns with actions taken by our peer institutions and maintains Morgan’s position as having the second most affordable tuition rate in Maryland.”
The university also noted that “access and affordability remain core to our mission,” but emphasized that the increases are “essential to sustaining the high-quality educational experience our students expect as enrollment and service demands grow.”
According to the statement, part of the change also addresses growing demand for updated residential and dining facilities.
“Morgan continues to act aggressively to meet the growing demand for modern, high-quality housing featuring preferred amenities,” the university said.
Larry Jones, Morgan’s assistant vice president of public relations, confirmed in an interview with The Spokesman that the increases are set.
“I can definitely confirm the 2%,” said Jones. “If it was approved by the Board, then it’s accurate and yes, it’s confirmed.”
Jones also addressed why the recent multimillion-dollar donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott won’t be used to offset the upcoming increases.
“Almost 95% of that donation is going to the endowment just like when we received the $40 million gift before,” said Jones.
“The goal is to protect and plan for Morgan’s future. When we get large gifts like that, we invest them in the endowment so they generate interest. The university then uses that interest for various needs. A portion of the donation is being directed toward financial aid.”
He added that the gift is unrestricted, meaning the university could use it for any purpose, but President Wilson decided to invest most of it for long-term growth.
“Right now, a portion of that gift is already being allocated to financial aid, and that’s been confirmed,” said Jones.
When asked about affordability amid rising enrollment, Jones said the university’s increases remain modest compared to peer institutions.
“For a number of years especially during the COVID period we hadn’t increased our costs. Morgan’s current increases are consistent with the marketplace,” said Jones.
“We see this as a moderate and competitive increase. In fact, Morgan has the second-lowest tuition costs in Maryland.”
Jones emphasized that the university offers a range of housing options for different budgets, from lower-cost residence halls like Rawlings and Blount to newer, higher-end facilities such as the Enolia residences.
He also noted that student representatives are involved in discussions surrounding tuition and housing rates.
“We do consult with students during these discussions,” said Jones.
“The SGA is at the table when those conversations happen, and now there’s also student representation on committees where these decisions are made.”
The Board of Regents initially voted to authorize the potential increases during its Aug. 19 meeting.
With the administration’s confirmation, the new rates are now set to take effect for the upcoming fiscal year.
This story was updated to add more information.
