On March 12, 2025, Villanova sent an email from University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D. which outlined several updates. One of these updates was the FY 2026 Budget, which indicates that the University’s Board of Trustees approved the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, including a tuition increase of 4.5% and a financial aid budget increase of 5.8%.
According to the email, the FY 2026 budget aims to meet 100% of demonstrated undergraduate financial need, which is one of its key goals of the strategic plan: Rooted. Restless. However, without financial assistance, the tuition cost of the 2025-26 academic year is $69,846, and the total estimated cost of attendance is $92,814, depending on the housing and meal plan selection. Taking into account the national average U.S. salary for 2025, which is $63,795, attending a university like Villanova is not possible for many individuals.
The tuition increase is justified by a combination of different internal and external factors. As stated in the email, “Villanova is heavily dependent on tuition revenue to support operational expenses and is impacted by general inflation and labor market conditions. Annual increases, which consider all these factors, enable the University to continue providing an exceptional academic experience, comprehensive student support services, and additional need-based financial assistance while ensuring continued prudent financial stewardship.”
For some individuals, the tuition increase is highly concerning, especially at a time where there have been numerous changes regarding federal employment under the new administration of President Donald Trump. One of my jobs on campus is at the University Advancement Department, where my main goal is to connect with Villanova alumni and parents of current students to raise funds that support the annual scholarship fund, academic departments, student organizations and other initiatives at Villanova.
This semester, I have spoken with numerous alumni who donate to the University every year or once in a while, and many individuals have expressed concerns regarding the yearly tuition increase, or others have stopped donating to Villanova due to the uncertainty with federal employment and fear of mass layoffs.
On the other hand, another announcement outlined in the email is the Cabrini Campus update. In 2023, Villanova announced the acquisition of the Cabrini campus. Villanova plans to move the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, graduate programs in the Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Department of Education and Counseling, Ethics Program and the Department of Communication. The Cabrini Campus acquisitions is also part of the Rooted. Restless., which is supposed to be finalized by 2030. Throughout this strategic plan, Villanova aims to enhance education, student opportunities, meet 100% of financial aid needs and expand research, among other initiatives.
Financial efforts will help Villanova accomplish its strategic plan goals. Although the tuition increase has a direct impact on campus improvements and expansions, it is still stressful for students and families as this increase has an impact on student loans and debtpost-graduation.
Transparent communication, equitable financial aid policies and sustained efforts to foster alumni engagement will be essential in ensuring that the University remains both accessible and exceptional.
