News Summary
Six public universities in Mississippi are implementing tuition increases for in-state students, averaging 3.8%. Jackson State University will see the highest hike at 6%, along with a new wellness fee. Other universities will raise tuition between 3% to 4%, while some institutions choose to keep rates steady. Out-of-state tuition is also rising significantly, with Jackson State’s out-of-state tuition increasing by 13%. These adjustments are attributed to inflation and the need for enhanced campus services.
Jackson, Mississippi — Six public universities in Mississippi have announced tuition increases for in-state students, with an average hike of 3.8%. This decision comes in response to inflationary pressures, rising salaries, and the need for improved campus safety and technology enhancements. The increases were approved with immediate effect following a waiver of the usual 30-day review requirement by the state’s Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL).
Jackson State University is set to experience the largest increase, with tuition for state residents rising by 6%, from $8,690 to $9,210. In addition to the tuition hike, Jackson State proposed a new health and student wellness fee of $150, which is expected to generate approximately $963,000 for health services and campus enhancements.
The University of Mississippi will raise tuition by 3.9%, increasing from $9,612 to $9,990, while Mississippi State University and the University of Southern Mississippi will see tuition rises of 4%, bringing their rates to $10,454 and $10,284, respectively. The Mississippi University for Women will see an increase of 3%, raising tuition from $8,392 to $8,647, while the University of Mississippi Medical Center has requested a 3% increase, moving from $10,272 to $10,580.
Notably, Alcorn State University, Delta State University, and Mississippi Valley State University have decided to maintain last year’s tuition rates. Delta State’s tuition remains the most affordable among the eight public universities in Mississippi at $8,435, which is part of a strategy to bolster enrollment and retention.
Out-of-state tuition rates are also seeing significant increases. Jackson State University will raise its out-of-state tuition by 13% from $11,690 to $13,210. Similarly, the University of Southern Mississippi will increase its out-of-state tuition by 3.3% to $12,284. The out-of-state tuition for the University of Mississippi will rise from $28,440 to $30,150, while Mississippi State University will see its rate increase from $27,487 to $28,586.
Some professional programs at Mississippi State University are implementing modest tuition increases of between 2% and 5%. Meanwhile, there are no changes to international student fees for Alcorn and Delta State, which remain at $9,305 and $9,466, respectively. However, the School of Law at the University of Mississippi will reduce its tuition from $41,500 to $27,180 for non-residents due to a decline in enrollment.
The rising tuition rates reflect a need to address various financial pressures, including increased utility costs, insurance rates, and challenges surrounding faculty retention. Compared to the national average, faculty salaries in Mississippi remain relatively low, approximately 80% of the median compensation set by the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB).
Despite the challenges, some universities have seen an increase in dormitory occupancy rates, while meal plan costs have risen by an average of 3.4%. University leaders emphasize that the tuition increases are necessary to ensure that institutions can continue to provide quality education and improve campus facilities for all students.
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- WJTV: Most Mississippi Universities Increase Tuition
- Wikipedia: Tuition
- Clarion Ledger: Expanding Tuition Assistance in Mississippi
- Google Search: Mississippi tuition assistance
- The Daily Mississippian: Tuition Increase for 2024-2025
- Google Scholar: Tuition increase Mississippi
- Magnolia Tribune: Universities Increasing Tuition in 2023-2024
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tuition Increase
- WJTV: Tuition Increases at Seven Mississippi Universities
- Google News: Mississippi tuition news
