MSU seeks state funding to reduce tuition, fees

While the Missouri State University Board of Governors yesterday gave preliminary approval to raise tuition and fees, the school is seeking state funding to reduce or waive the increases.

MSU President Clif Smart said in a news release the university requested a state appropriate adjustment, noting it was “well received and we are hopeful that it will be approved.” The school’s fee schedule points to an appropriation request from the state of over $84 million.

“While we approved an increase in tuition and fees today, we hope that state revenues will allow an increase in our state funding. If that happens, the board will consider waiving some portion of the increases or phasing them in over several years,” Smart said in the release.

The board is scheduled to make a final decision during its June 21 meeting.

Under the board’s preliminary increase, tuition would rise by 5% for the 2019-20 academic year, according to the release.

Proposed changes include:
• a tuition increase for in-state undergraduate students of $11 per credit hour;
• a $374 jump in tuition and fees for in-state undergrads;
• a $10 per credit hour jump for in-state graduate students;
• an $18 per credit hour increase for out-of-state undergrads; and
• a $21 per credit hour increase for out-of-state graduate students.