Indianapolis, Indiana – Indiana Governor Mike Braun is urging graduating high school seniors to continue their education inside the state as Indiana public colleges and universities move forward with a historic tuition freeze designed to make higher education more affordable for Hoosier families.
The announcement comes as thousands of students across Indiana celebrate graduation ceremonies this month. State leaders say the Class of 2026 enters a new era for education in Indiana, with lower college costs, a redesigned diploma system, and expanded education policies all aimed at keeping young people connected to opportunities inside the state.
At Governor Braun’s request, all 15 public colleges and universities across Indiana, including both regional campuses and main university systems, agreed to freeze in-state tuition and mandatory fees for undergraduate students. Officials say the move marks the most affordable period for Indiana students seeking a public college degree in more than a decade.
“Congratulations to every Hoosier student walking across the graduation stage this spring. Whether you’re heading to college, starting your career, or serving our nation in the military, we are proud of you. For Hoosiers headed to college, a four-year degree in Indiana is an incredible value: our public universities have now frozen tuition for a second year,” Governor Braun said.
Historic Tuition Freeze Across Indiana
State officials described the tuition decision as unprecedented in modern Indiana history. According to the governor’s office, every public higher education institution in the state committed to keeping tuition and mandatory fees flat for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years for in-state undergraduate students.
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education unanimously supported the recommendation.
Leaders say the freeze could save families hundreds or even thousands of dollars over the course of a student’s college education. With rising costs becoming a major concern for many families nationwide, Indiana officials are presenting the decision as proof that the state is trying to make college more reachable without forcing students to leave home.
The governor’s office also tied the tuition freeze to a broader message encouraging graduates to build careers and futures inside Indiana rather than relocating elsewhere after high school or college.
New Diploma System Focuses on Three Career Paths
This year’s graduating seniors are also the first students impacted by Indiana’s newly redesigned high school diploma structure, which centers around three post-graduation paths: enrollment in college, employment in the workforce, or enlistment in the military.
Officials say the system was created to better connect students with real-world goals before graduation instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Students pursuing the college-focused Enrollment Honors Plus Seal may qualify for automatic acceptance into Indiana’s public universities. Meanwhile, students following employment pathways complete hands-on work experience and career training intended to help them secure jobs immediately after graduation.
The state also created an Enlistment and Service seal for students planning military careers.
State leaders say the diploma redesign is intended to give students clearer direction and stronger preparation regardless of the path they choose after high school.
Broader Education Changes Highlighted
The governor’s office pointed to additional education accomplishments announced during Braun’s first year in office. Officials highlighted the expansion of universal school choice for Indiana families regardless of income or ZIP code, along with a $5,000 increase in starting teacher salaries.
The state also directed an additional $640 million toward K-12 classrooms and established a new A-through-F school accountability system. Indiana additionally created a new Office of School Safety as part of broader efforts focused on education and campus protection.
According to the governor’s office, Indiana’s fourth-grade literacy ranking has climbed to sixth in the nation, while third-grade literacy scores increased by five percentage points over the past year. Officials also reported that the state’s high school graduation rate has now reached an all-time high of 92 percent.
As graduation ceremonies continue across Indiana, Braun’s administration is using the moment to emphasize a broader message that students can pursue education, careers, and long-term success without leaving the state behind.
