Missouri four-year public colleges freeze tuition again

In-state undergraduate students at Missouri's four-year public colleges and universities won't see an increase in tuition or academic fees, according to an agreement announced Tuesday by Gov. Jay Nixon.

Nixon made the announcement during a visit Tuesday morning at University of Missouri-St. Louis. He also will be at Missouri State University in Springfield this afternoon to talk about the program.

The schools have agreed not to impose tuition increases for the 2010-11 school year, and Nixon has in return agreed to maintain higher education funding at 95 percent of the current fiscal year appropriation. The agreement is subject to approval by the Missouri General Assembly and the schools' governing boards.

If approved, it would be the second consecutive year of frozen tuition.

"To turn this economy around, Missourians must be trained, educated and ready to work, and that's why it was vital that we kept tuition flat for Missouri families," Nixon said in the release. "As tuition skyrockets by double digits in other states, university leaders, faculty members and my administration have worked together to put Missouri students first and protect them from tuition spikes."

Under the agreement, the schools may increase tuition for out-of-state or graduate students.

"First and foremost, higher education is about our students, and we must ensure that a four-year education remains as affordable and accessible as possible," MSU President Michael Nietzel said in the release. "During these difficult economic times, we must all be willing to compromise and do our part to help move Missouri forward. We appreciate Gov. Nixon's commitment to higher education, and we look forward to continuing to work with him to do what's best for Missouri students."[[In-content Ad]]