The University of Colorado Board of Regents reviewed potential budget scenarios for the 2026-27 fiscal year during its recent meeting at CU Boulder. Chad Marturano, vice president and chief financial officer for the CU system, presented three budget proposals that vary depending on state funding, tuition and fees, and compensation adjustments.
Undergraduate resident tuition rates for new students could increase between 2.6% and 4.5% at CU Boulder, while continuing students will not see an increase due to the campus tuition guarantee. At CU Denver, undergraduate resident tuition is projected to rise between 2.5% and 4.5%. UCCS may also see increases in this range, while undergraduate nursing tuition at CU Anschutz is set for a 2.4% increase under all scenarios.
Proposed student fees differ by campus. Compensation changes are planned across the university system but depend on various factors. Classified employees would receive a 3.1% pay raise based on a statewide agreement. At CU Boulder, there is consideration for either a 3.1% merit pool or adding an extra 0.5% pool for compression, retention, and adjustment pay. CU Denver proposes a 2.75% merit and adjustment pool if revenue goals are met; UCCS compensation plans remain under discussion; CU Anschutz expects a 2.5% merit pool with additional funds ranging from 0.6% to 1%.
Minimum hourly wages for most staff and student employees will stay stable or increase across campuses.
The budgeting process faces several challenges such as uncertain government funding levels, changing enrollment figures, inflation-driven cost increases, greater demand for financial aid and support services, deferred maintenance needs, and growing information technology requirements.
Enrollment projections indicate modest growth at some campuses: CU Boulder expects a 1.3% rise in fall 2026 enrollment; CU Denver anticipates a slight increase of 0.6%; UCCS forecasts a decrease of about 1.3%; while CU Anschutz projects enrollment growth of approximately 3.6%.
During the meeting’s strategic planning session led by Marturano and Lynn Vidler (provost at UCCS), early results from a constituent survey were discussed as Phase 3—defining plan scope—comes to an end with key performance metrics identified for continued tracking such as graduation rates and research totals.
The board also formally recognized six new Distinguished Professors from the November cohort: Kristen Carpenter, Russell Cropanzano, Marcia Douglas, Noah Finkelstein, Karl Linden and Jade Morton—all faculty members from CU Boulder introduced by Chancellor Justin Schwartz during an awards presentation ceremony.
“The Distinguished Professor title is CU’s highest honor for faculty,” according to the university statement describing recipients as tenured faculty who show outstanding performance in research or creative work; excellence in teaching; and notable service contributions to their field or institution.
Marc Moss of CU Anschutz will be honored later this year as part of the same cohort.
In other actions last week, Regent Emeritus Henry F.“Hank” Anton Jr., who died in December at age 88 after serving District 3 since his election in 1994—including time as board chair—was remembered through passage of a memorial resolution recognizing his long-standing contributions to both the university community and its governing body.
