Other College Enrollment Fees

Op3.04-15 Other College Enrollment Fees

A decision framework for consideration of program-specific enrollment fees

Introduction

As colleges at Missouri State University (MSU) advance proposals for program-specific enrollment fees, the Board of Governors needs a process by which to make an informed decision on approving or disapproving the request. Similarly, colleges should provide the Board guidance on how to assess the success of the fee in achieving the stated goals. This document seeks to lay out a framework to guide the Board on these two issues.

Front end decision for a new program specific enrollment fee proposal

A program-specific enrollment fee proposal should include three primary components. First, the proposal should include background and research that supports the request. Such items may include:

  1. Student demand;
  2. Expected impact on enrollment;
  3. Information as to whether this fee is usual and customary in the area;
  4. Peer and competitor analysis
  5. Job placement;
  6. Internship numbers;
  7. Pass rates on licensure exams;
  8. Admission to graduate/professional schools;
  9. Expected starting salaries of graduates;
  10. Expected use(s) of the fee,
  11. Total cost to students;
  12. Input that has been sought from internal and/or external constituencies, including student input.

Note that this list is not meant to be exhaustive or invariant. A college may tailor a request to the unique features of its college. The burden is on the college to make the case for the proposed fee.

Second, the college should identify how the fee revenue will be used to support university goals and objectives, with particular emphasis on enrollment.

Third, the college should describe the metrics that will be reported to university leaders on an annual basis. These metrics should correlate directly to the data used to support the original fee request. Complete the Request for Consideration of a Program-Specific Enrollment Fee form (Appendix A) to report these metrics. View all  other enrollment fee forms.

Revenue split

The starting point for the revenue split is, 50/50with colleges receiving 50% of the fee revenue, and central administration receiving 50%.

In rare cases, a split other than 50/50 may be mutually agreed upon (for example, under difficult financial circumstances).

Back end accountability and stewardship

As a matter of public trust, as well as accountability and stewardship, colleges shall report annually by July 31 to university Provost specifically how much fee revenue was collected, how the fee revenue was used and how those investments improved college-related programs.

Renewal request to continue the supplemental enrollment fee and fee arrangement need to be submitted to the Provost’s office in November. The request should contain justification for continuing the fee, intended purpose of the continued fee revenue, and any supporting documentation needed by university Provost to make an informed decision on continuation of the fee and existing fee sharing arrangement.

A college may request a fee increase within the renewal request.

Summary and conclusion

Ultimately, the most important criteria for deciding whether to approve a proposed program-specific enrollment fee is whether the fee supports and enhances university goals and objectives, and, in particular, its enrollment management objectives. Colleges should be able to demonstrate that the fee revenue was used to improve the program and attract higher quality and/or more students and report out using appropriate metrics.

Effective date

Approved by Administrative Council:  February 18, 2025