KU's priorities for the 2025 session

The 2025 Legislative Session has begun. Governor Kelly released her Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal January 16 and proposed a slight increase to base funding for the state's higher education system. 

Traditionally, each year the governor's budget proposal serves as the starting point for legislative debate in the months that follow. This year, however, the House and Senate introduced their own budget plan in bill form for consideration by the Legislature, which might make budget discussions different than they've been in recent years. 

KU joins the Kansas Board of Regents in requesting funds for initiatives that will empower KU to better serve students and Kansans. First and foremost, KU is asking the Legislature for stable base funding to enable KU to keep tuition steady for students and parents, and to ensure students have the support services they need to succeed. This is especially important given KU currently has its highest enrollment in history and expects another strong class of freshmen to join us in fall 2025.

Additionally, KU is asking for funding for the following initiatives:

• Expansion of the Kansas Medical Student Loan Program, which provides loans to students who agree to practice medicine in Kansas after residency
• Enhancements to university IT infrastructure and cybersecurity
• Recruitment and retention of research faculty in areas that drive the Kansas economy such as engineering, cancer and brain health
• Construction of a new School of Architecture & Design building