Wright State Board of Trustees approves university budget for fiscal year 2026 

The Wright State University Board of Trustees approved a balanced university budget plan that supports Wright State’s academic mission and continues investing in student success and career readiness.  

Trustees unanimously approved the fiscal year 2026 budget on May 2. 

View the FY26 budget presentation (PDF). 

Wright State President Sue Edwards, Ph.D., underscored the fact that the university will continue to invest in and expand academic programming that meets the workforce needs of the region and simultaneously focuses on initiatives to support student success and degree completion. 

“Wright State alumni can be found in every industry and in nearly every employer in the region. Our students come from Raider Country, and many choose to build their futures here after they graduate,” she said. “It is our obligation to provide them with the programs and the support they need to be successful once they arrive on our campuses, along with the skills and talents they need to be successful once they enter the workforce and contribute meaningfully to the region’s economic vitality.” 

The university expects unrestricted revenue of approximately $277.1 million, including $67.5 million in state financial support, during fiscal year 2026, which runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. 

Unrestricted university expenditures are projected to be $277.1 million and include investments in program expansions and student success. In their approval of the budget, the Board of Trustees also included an investment in the Wright State team by authorizing a 3% increase for many employees effective July 1, 2025. 

Over the last eight years, Wright State has built reserves back up from a low of $16.91 million in fiscal year 2017 to $159.08 million in fiscal year 2024.  

For the second consecutive year, the university will end FY 2025 with a perfect Senate Bill 6 composite score of 5.0, underscoring Wright State’s financial stability and its continued commitment to provide the region with access to a vibrant, high-quality institution of higher education. 

Beth Ferris, chair of the Finance, Audit, Governance, and Compliance Committee, recognized the hard work resulting in the dramatic change in Wright State’s financial health. 

“Wright State’s strong financial position demonstrates both its commitment to ensuring the University remains a strong economic driver for the region and its remarkable focus on effective financial management,” she said. 

Tom Gunlock, chair of the Board of Trustees, emphasized the continued importance of Edwards’ focus on recruitment, retention, and relationships. 

“This university, under President Edwards’ leadership, continues to demonstrate focus on student success and prioritizing enhancement of meaningful relationships with key stakeholders, including Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton Children’s and Premier Health,” Gunlock said. 

Edwards expressed optimism for the upcoming year, highlighting Wright State’s continued momentum. 

“We continue to make great progress,” she said. “Recruitment, retention, and relationships remain our focus, and I’m looking forward to welcoming the newest members of our Raider and Laker families this fall.”