Market-Based Tuition

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Policy Number:
UW-1044
Responsible Office:
Academic Planning and Institutional Research

University Policy

Rationale/​Purpose:

Under UW System tuition policy, the UW–Madison chancellor has the authority to propose to the UW System president per-credit market-based tuition for programs that serve non-traditional audiences. Programs that are specifically designed for adults and non-traditional audiences, and that are supported directly through program revenue, may seek market-based tuition.

For-credit programs seeking market-based tuition must be designed to enhance the professional skills of post-bachelor and non-degree students, be responsive to local and national labor markets, and be delivered in non-traditional formats that include accelerated, hybrid face-to-face/online, or part-time, weekend or evening. Such programs typically have a clearly defined curriculum that follows a defined path and a predictable timeline for progress and completion. For eligible programs, the market-based tuition structure may allow for more competitive market pricing relative to peer and competitor programs and support enrollment growth.

Scope:
Adults and non-traditional audiences.
Policy:

Policy

Graduate and Capstone programs eligible for the market-based tuition structure may choose between 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
  • Market-based tuition structure, using one of the following per-credit increments (no residency rates and no credit 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

    Note: Market-based tuition programs are usually predominately face-to-face programs and will charge 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

  • Market-based tuition programs may request any one of the approved tuition increments.
  • Programs seeking to use one of the market-based tuition increments will have to show that the proposed tuition is appropriate based on the market and show how the proposed tuition is competitive with peer or competitor programs.
  • The tuition structure and rate will apply to all students in the program; cohort tuition is not allowed.
  • 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 Office of the Chancellor.
  • Notification of approval will include program representatives, school/college dean's office, Graduate School, Registrar’s Office, Bursar’s Office, Madison Budget Office, APIR, Division of Continuing Studies, VCFA, and provost.
  • Proposals and decisions will be added to the Lumen Programs system administratively after approval.

This policy is in keeping with UW System Administrative Policy 805, Tuition and Fee Policies for Credit Instruction, UW System Administrative Policy 130, Programming For The Non-Traditional Market In The UW System, and UW System Administrative Policy 130, Appendix B: Service-Based Pricing Guidelines and Procedures.

 

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:
11-01-2017
Revised Dates:

11-03-2018, 12-04-2018, 06-15-2019

Retrieved:
03-27-2023 00:16:45