University of Connecticut leaders expanded budget-tightening actions to close a sizable fiscal gap while reaffirming plans to keep undergraduate tuition flat and increase institutional student aid. UConn said it is targeting roughly $29.2 million in a projected fiscal 2027 deficit across its main and regional campuses, plus another $54.3 million gap at its health center. The plan includes restrictions on hiring for nonessential positions, streamlining operations, and adjusting certain contracts to generate savings. At the same time, the university said its board approved a $1.9 billion budget for its academic campuses and that UConn would use unrestricted funds to fill some shortfalls, keep tuition flat, and renovate certain buildings. The budget includes nearly $229.9 million in institution-funded aid—up about 5.4%—with roughly four-fifths of first-time, full-time undergraduates receiving institutional support. UConn cited inflationary pressures, rising costs, federal research grant reductions, and other factors contributing to the deficit.