Funding Task Force

Anticipated trends

• Like most public universities, the bulk of Missouri State’s revenue will continue to come from tuition and fees, with state appropriations remaining substantial, but only increasing at the rate of inflation.
• Other sources of revenue will become increasingly important. They include grants and contracts, private support and a wide variety of operational efficiencies, reallocation and/or new sources. 
• Given all factors in Missouri, including state law on tuition increases, the greatest potential for new revenue for Missouri State is through differential student fees.

Reaffirmations

• Missouri State intends to continue its position as a “high-quality educational option offered at a competitive price,” thus allowing maximum access and helping minimize student loan debt.
• The University will continue to aggressively seek funding through private giving, grants and contracts, and other sources, as well as reallocation.
• Missouri State will maintain its long history of good stewardship of resources, which has led to strong bond ratings and adequate reserves.

Major issues

• Because higher education funding is one of the few “discretionary” portions of the state of Missouri’s budget, there are a number of non-education budget lines that can negatively impact the higher education budget over which the University has very little control.
• To sustain or increase funding, it will be necessary for Missouri State to instill confidence among decision-makers and the general public in the value of higher education: creating an educated citizenry, developing an advanced-level workforce and serving as a catalyst for economic development.
• State appropriations have not kept pace with Missouri State’s development, especially with the enrollment growth and expansion of graduate programs, and any increases in state appropriations are likely to be modest.