. This edition of WICHE Insights discusses the most recent results of WICHE’s annual survey, Tuition and Fees in the West, as well as the recent trends in state appropriations and state financial aid. Overall, the most recent data highlight positive trends in tuition, appropriations, and grant aid. The annual increases in tuition and fees were below the rate of inflation, and total appropriations and state financial aid both increased in recent years. However, many states in the region are facing budget challenges for the upcoming fiscal year, which could mean that state higher education finance conditions will be less positive for the coming years. Additionally, changing federal economic and political dynamics have led to uncertainty for institutions and states. Key takeaways from the brief include:

• The regional average tuition and fees for resident undergraduates at public four-year institutions was $11,187 in AY 2024-25, an increase of 3.9% from AY 2023-24.
• Regional average in-district tuition and fees at public two-year institutions, excluding California, was $4,647 in AY 2024-25 and increased 3.4% from the year prior. When including California, the regional average tuition and fees was $2,475 in AY 2024-25, an increase of 2.3% from AY 2023-24.
• In total, states in the region appropriated over $37.8 billion to higher education in FY 2025, an increase of greater than 8% compared to FY 2024.
• Total state financial aid dollars in the West have increased substantially in the past decade, with more need-based aid awarded than the national average.
• Changing economic conditions and changes in the federal landscape present significant uncertainty for institutions and states, which have made short- and long-term planning more difficult and could impact state finance trends in the future.