The Missouri State University Board of Governors Executive Committee today (April 17) approved a tentative increase to tuition and fees for 2019-20.

President Clif Smart emphasized that the amounts approved for both the Springfield and West Plains campuses could be reduced or waived.

“We have requested an adjustment to our state appropriation,” Smart said. “Thanks to the work of our legislative leaders, our request has been well received and we are hopeful that it will be approved. 

“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.”

The executive committee approved a 5.6 percent increase in West Plains’ tuition for 2019-2020, but a final decision on how much of that increase will actually be charged won’t be made until June.

Tuition for in-state students at the West Plains campus could increase $7 per credit hour, bringing the new rate to $132 per credit hour.

Tuition for out-of-state students could increase $4 per credit hour. Currently, out-of-state students pay $260 per credit hour.

“At Missouri State University-West Plains, we are committed to providing quality educational opportunities to the students we serve. Sometimes that requires adjusting our tuition and fees. With our operating costs continuing to increase, this is one of those years when adjustments will need to be considered,” Missouri State-West Plains Chancellor Shirley Lawler said.

“In recent years, we have made significant reductions in programming and personnel, and we will continue to look for ways to operate more efficiently,” she added.

“To maintain the level of student support services and academic programs needed, however, we are looking at all options, including fee increases,” she explained.

Changes to other fees

Other fee increases were approved today, as well.

• The Common Fee could go from $18.50 to $20 per credit hour. The Common Fee is a combination of student, administrative and computer/technology fees.
• Nursing fees for in-state students could go from $171 to $178 per credit hour; out-of-state students could pay $356, up from $342.
• Online courses could go from $148 to $162 per credit hour.

Housing fees also increased. Students living in the Grizzly House residence hall will pay a total of $6,096 for the fall and spring semesters. This year, they paid $5,936.

Students living in the Grizzly Lofts will be charged a total of $6,616 for both semesters. This year, they paid $6,120.

Housing fees at both facilities include a 19-meal-per-week plan.

For more information about tuition and student fees, contact the Missouri State-West Plains business office at 417-255-7260.