SB 759 - This act prohibits public higher education institutions from raising the tuition rate charged to Missouri resident undergraduate and graduate students for four years from the date the student enrolls at the institution. Beginning with the 2016-2017 academic year, each approved public institution shall maintain a set tuition rate that is valid for four years from the date a student initially enrolls at the institution, or for the length of time it takes to complete the student's academic program. If a student enrolled at an institution for the first time prior to the 2018-2019 academic year, such student shall be refunded any difference in tuition from the 2016-2017 tuition rate.
If an institution fails to comply with the provisions of the act, the institution shall remit an amount equal to 5% of its current year state operating appropriation, which shall be deposited into the general revenue fund. Once the institution demonstrates compliance with the act the funds shall be returned to the institution.
Additionally, this act adds course fees and supplemental fees to the definition of "tuition" under the Higher Education Student Funding Act.
JAMIE ANDREWS