MSU board approves 2012 budget

During its June 17 meeting, the Missouri State University Board of Governors approved the school's fiscal 2012 operating budget of $265 million.

The budget, which will take effect on July 1, represents a $7 million uptick from MSU's current fiscal year budget, according to a news release from the university.

The heftier budget comes despite a reduction of roughly $6 million, or 7 percent, in state appropriations, bringing MSU's state funding down to $79.3 million.

State reductions, however, are offset by an anticipated revenue increase due to rising enrollment and a previously approved 1.5 percent student fee increase and 4.7 percent room and board increase, the release said.

“Missouri State University remains committed to providing a quality education at an affordable cost,” MSU President James Cofer said in the release. “We’ve been planning for the decrease in state support for some time and have made adjustments to maintain a focus on student learning outcomes. We’ve reallocated funds internally to keep our tuition increases below the consumer price index."

Within the approved fiscal 2012 budget, the board approved $264.8 million in anticipated revenues, $245.3 million in budgeted expenses and $10 million for the MSU-West Plains campus.[[In-content Ad]]