The Missouri State University Board of Governors approved in-state undergraduate tuition and fees for 2021-22 at their meeting on Feb. 19.

Each year, Missouri’s public universities have traditionally increased tuition by inflation. By approving the new tuition structure, Missouri State will break with that tradition and not increase tuition by CPI next year.

Beginning in the fall, tuition for all in-state, undergraduate students will be $257 per credit hour regardless of whether they take online or seated classes.

MSU currently charges different rates depending on the class format. Under the current price structure, tuition for in-state undergraduate students is $228 for seated classes and $299 for online classes.

The difference between “online” and “seated” classes has blurred as many classes have an online component but are not fully online. Students have expressed support for a new model that charges the same tuition rate for seated and online classes so they can better predict the cost of their education.

“This change will result in flat tuition revenue for the university, and most in-state undergraduate students should not see an increase,” said MSU President Clif Smart. “Students have told us they would prefer a tuition model that does not charge more for online classes. By moving to a blended tuition rate, we are taking a step forward in meeting student needs.”

Financial impact of changes

The average student should not see an increase under the new model. The new model will result in in-state, undergraduate students paying a little less for online classes and a little more for seated classes. The impact on each student will depend on the specific classes the student takes.

The change is revenue neutral. In 2020-21, in-state undergraduate students paid $87,630,000. Under the new model, students would have paid $87,605,000 — $25,000 less.