Bill allowing universities to waive out-of-state tuition awaits Bryant’s signature

JACKSON — A bill headed to Gov. Phil Bryant would allow individual universities to waive out-of-state tuition if the state College Board deems it fiscally responsible.

Senate Universities and Colleges Committee Chairman Terry Burton says some universities in nearby states already waive out-of-state tuition for some Mississippi residents. Current law doesn’t allow the practice here.

Burton believes the change could encourage people to earn their college diplomas in Mississippi, and then possibly remain to build careers.

Commissioner of Higher Education Hank Bounds agrees with Burton’s assessment.

Bounds also says universities now must use scholarships to attract students from neighboring states.

Current in-state tuition at Mississippi’s eight universities ranges from $4,876 to $5,805 a year, and out-of-state tuition ranges from $12,460 to $14,797 a year.