At the fifth Tuition Deliberation Committee meeting held on January 13th, the increase in undergraduate tuition for the 2026 academic year was set to 2.95%. The legal cap on university tuition increases for the year set by the Ministry of Education is 3.19%, and the current increase rate was determined within this range. Initially, SSU proposed a 3% increase, but the student committee opposed the move. Subsequent meetings between them resulted in a rate adjustment to 2.95%. This decision will take effect starting in the first semester of 2026.
On January 6th, a discussion session about tuition was held for current enrolled students of SSU. During the session, the university answered questions regarding the background of the tuition increase, plans to expand faculty, and directions for improving campus facilities.
The reasons for the tuition increase presented by the university include: financial strain caused by a long-term tuition freeze, an increase in fixed costs due to inflation and the rising minimum wage, concerns over a decline in the quality of education, and the need for improvement in education conditions. Plans to utilize the increased tuition revenue include securing teaching staff by hiring new faculty members, expanding benefits for graduate students by introducing thesis scholarships and offering research support, and improving infrastructure by renovating the first floor of the Central Library as well as aging facilities and restrooms.
There have been concerns that this decision may lead to a financial burden on students, as it directly follows a 4.95% tuition increase last year. One Soongsilian stated, “It is true that consecutive tuition increases can be a financial burden. However, since it has already been decided, I hope the university fully reflects students’ opinions and provides benefits that offer substantial help.”
