Each year, Mizzou is overwhelmingly the top college destination for MHS graduates. However, due to the entire University of Missouri (UM) system raising tuition rates and other costs, this year’s graduates will face elevated costs.
On average, students attending college on a UM campus will face a tuition increase of 4.8 percent. Mizzou’s tuition will increase by 5.8 percent and tuition at UMSL, UMKC and Missouri S&T will increase by 4.7, 4.8 and 6.6 percent, respectively. All increases go into effect this summer.
“Mizzou is similar to many other universities-they are having to do more with less and that is difficult,” Joan Lodes, college counselor, said.
The increased tuition rate for UM, which was approved in February, is a result of the Commissioner of Higher Education’s approval of UM’s request for a penalty waiver on its tuition increase, which allowed the system to raise tuition and fees, according to the university’s website.
Mary Jo Banken, director of MU news bureau, said two years ago the state passed a bill that stated universities can’t raise tuition higher than the cost of living increase, and if they decide they need to do so, they have to appeal to the Commisioner of Higher Education. For the past two years, MU has not increased tuition.
“The increase was necessary in order to be able to offer our students the same level of education we are known for,” Banken said.
Banken said the money will contribute to providing students with high level faculty and buildings. She also said a large percentage of tuition goes into providing scholarships and financial aid for students. Each year, Mizzou gives out $110 million of scholarships.
Lodes said students and parents have expressed concern over college prices at various schools and she suggests they file the FAFSA form and explore other means of financial aid.
“We suggest that parents and students talk honestly and openly about the cost and their ability to pay and have that conversation early in the process,” Lodes said.
Alex Cook, senior, said raising the already steep tuition rate was not a good decision.
“I think [the increase] is ridiculous,” Cook aid. “The economy has hit everyone hard but in-state tuition for Mizzou is already a lot; why do they need to raise it?”
Kasey Devine, senior, said the increased tuition rate did not affect his decision to attend Mizzou next year.
“It’s a great institution that is still very affordable for in-state students, and will still have one of the best values of any schools in the state in my opinion,” Devine said.