Starting in Fall 2026, living on campus or coming from out of state to the University of North Florida is going to cost more. The UNF Board of Trustees on June 23, 2026 signed off on a package of increases that raises on-campus housing rental rates by 5% and hikes the nonresident out-of-state fee by 15%. The per-credit out-of-state charge climbs from $457.27 to about $525.86, with university officials saying the extra cash is needed to keep up with inflation-driven operating and maintenance costs. Those numbers will show up on fall bills and housing contracts for students and families across Jacksonville.
Trustees Sign Off At Quarterly Meeting
The board approved the housing and out-of-state fee hikes during its quarterly meeting, backing a 5% housing bump and a 15% jump in the nonresident out-of-state fee, as reported by News4JAX. Trustees and staff framed the decision as a financial necessity to preserve the quality of campus housing and services while costs keep climbing, even as they acknowledged the squeeze on students' budgets. Under the plan, future housing increases are not expected to top 5% for the 2027, 2028, and 2029 academic years.
Housing Increase Explained
UNF's official notice of proposed fee changes says Housing & Residence Life requested a 5% rental-rate hike for the 2026-2027 academic year to offset inflationary operational and maintenance expenses and to "enhance the experience of residential students," according to UNF Newsroom. The notice also points out that UNF has not raised tuition since 2013 and that trustees placed a cap on housing increases for the next two academic years. The proposal was brought forward under Board of Governors regulations that require public notice before trustees can act on fee changes.
Out-Of-State Fee Bump And Revenue Estimates
The nonresident out-of-state fee increase is steeper. A 15% hike moves the per-credit charge from $457.27 to $525.86, and modeling by the Florida Board of Governors estimates that a 15% increase would generate about $1.76 million for UNF under standard assumptions, according to the board's analysis. The underlying estimates are detailed in materials from the Florida Board of Governors.
Student Reaction And Financial Aid
Student Body President Hazel Joseph urged trustees to "keep affordability in mind" and questioned why smaller, steadier increases were not phased in earlier, as reported by News4JAX. UNF told the board it expects the out-of-state fee change to bring in between $1 million and $2 million in additional revenue and said extra financial aid will be added to the budget for students with demonstrated need. Student leaders at the meeting said it is still unclear who will qualify for that aid and how much support will ultimately be available.
What Students Should Do Next
The fee notice states that the changes take effect in Fall 2026 and directs questions about the proposals to UNF's Office of the General Counsel and Housing & Residence Life, according to UNF Newsroom. Students with housing contracts or financial-aid questions are encouraged to contact UNF Housing or Student Financial Services so they can see exactly how the new rates may affect their bills and eligibility. The university has said it will publish implementation details and any financial-aid adjustments before fall billing cycles begin.
Broader Florida Context
UNF's move comes after a policy change by the Florida Board of Governors that lets public universities raise out-of-state fees in phases: up to 10% in fall 2025 and up to 15% in fall 2026, as outlined by the Florida Board of Governors. Other state universities have been weighing similar adjustments as they juggle enrollment goals with rising costs. UNF leaders say they will keep an eye on enrollment and financial-aid needs as the new price tags kick in.
