Online Tuition

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Policy Number:
UW-1043
Responsible Office:
Academic Planning and Institutional Research

University Policy

Rationale/​Purpose:

Under UW System Administrative Policy 805, Tuition and Fee Policies for Credit Instruction, and UW System Administrative Policy 130, Programming For The Non-Traditional Market In The UW System, UW–Madison has the authority to set per-credit tuition for online/distance degree/major programs and Capstone certificate programs that are substantially supported by tuition revenue. UW–Madison seeks to use this delegated authority to:

  • Establish a simpler, more coherent pricing policy for online post-baccalaureate certificates and degrees.
  • Increase access to UW–Madison programs for out-of-state students.
  • Allow for competitive market pricing and make online tuition pricing more in line with peer institutions.
  • Grow strong, sustainable online degree programs that strategically advance UW–Madison’s mission and reputation.
Scope:

Online students.

Policy:

Policy Detail

Online, graduate degree/major or Capstone certificate programs may choose between available tuition structures:

  • A Board of Regent-approved standard graduate or professional-program-specific tuition structure, that includes resident/MN/nonresident tuition rates, plateau structure, and segregated fees); or
  • Tuition from one of the following increments (pricing increments are available in a per-credit format and all students pay the same rate; there is no tuition residency difference):

Note: Starting spring 2020, 131 programs will be expected to use a per-credit tier rate for market-based or online tuition by fall 2021. The practice of using standard graduate tuition will be phased out. Existing programs that charge the standard graduate tuition rates may continue if they are generating a strong investment margin and if almost all students are enrolled at a number of credits below the tuition plateau.


$800/credit $1,200/credit
$850/credit $1,300/credit
$900/credit $1,500/credit
$1,000/credit $1,600/credit
$1,100/credit $2,000/credit
$1,150/credit $2,500/credit

 

Segregated University Fees – The presumption will be that online programs will not charge segregated fees. Exceptions may be made for programs that will utilize services supported by segregated fees, or that have other reasons to charge segregated fees; market-based tuition may be more appropriate. Proposals include a statement on including or not including segregated fees.

Proposal Deadlines

  • Implementation in the fall or summer term: submit the proposal by August 9 or November 1 of the prior year; approval must be complete by February 1.
  • Implementation in the spring term (exceptions only): submit the proposal by August 9; approval must be complete by October 1.

Implementation

  • Programs seeking to use one of the online tuition increments will provide a rationale that the proposed tuition is a appropriate based on the market and will provide sufficient revenue to support the program.
  • The tuition structure and rate will apply to all students in the program; cohort tuition is not permitted.
  • Submit proposals to the director of Academic Planning and Institutional Research (APIR).
  • Academic Planning and Institutional Research will coordinate the approvals with the provost, vice chancellor for finance and administration (VCFA), Madison Budget Office, and Division of Continuing Studies. The formal UW–Madison designee for approvals is the associate VCFA. ·
  • Notification of approval will include program representatives, school/college dean’s office, Graduate School, Registrar’s Office, Bursar’s Office, Madison Budget Office, Academic Planning and Institutional Research, Division of Continuing Studies, the VCFA, and the provost.
  • Proposals and decisions will be administratively added to the Lumen Programs system after approval.
External References:

Policy Administration

Approval Authority:
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Policy Manager:
Interim Director and Associate Vice Provost for Academic Planning and Institutional Research
Contact:
Associate Director -- Michelle Young, michelle.young@wisc.edu, (608) 262-2143
Effective Date:
12-04-2018
Revised Dates:

04-01-2020

Retrieved:
03-26-2023 05:25:22