Lawmakers OK nonresident tuition waiver

Lawmakers OK nonresident tuition waiver

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

Senate Universities and Colleges Committee Chairman Terry Burton, R-Newton, said some universities in nearby states already waive out-of-state tuition for some Mississippi residents, particularly those who live near the state lines. Current law doesn’t allow Mississippi to reciprocate.

Burton believes the change could encourage people to earn their college degrees in Mississippi, and then possibly remain in the state to build careers and become taxpaying residents.

“That’s what it’s all about,” Burton said.

AP
3/26/12