Missouri State University is already known as a great educational value.  As this cost comparison shows, our fees are just below the average for public institutions in Missouri and the nation and our room and board rates are among the lowest in the state and well below the national average.  Even so, Missouri State wants to do more to make its cost affordable and predictable for students.  The CAP-IT program is designed to do just that.  CAP-IT has three major components.

* Tuition Plan Options:  Tuition plan options are the primary feature of CAP IT.  The following three options, available to degree-seeking undergraduate students, are designed to provide choice and predictability in tuition.

• Standard Tuition Plan:  Students will be assessed under the fee policy in effect for the current year, and fees will be subject to change from year to year.
• Two Year Fixed Tuition Plan:  Students will pay slightly higher basic fees one year but will pay the same rate for the following academic year, regardless of increases in the Standard Tuition Plan rates.  For the 2008-09 academic year, the two year fixed tuition plan is not being offered because the tuition increase over 2007-08 was only 3.9 percent.
• Tuition Prepayment Plan  (2-, 3- or 4-year):  Students may make a lump-sum prepayment that will cover basic fees for all courses they take during the period of the plan (excluding summers), regardless of changes in the Standard Tuition Plan rates or the number of credit hours taken.

For more details and answers to frequently asked questions, please see the tuition plan options FAQ or plan comparison chart. To choose your tuition plan, go to My Information.

Graduation in Four Years:  Another important way that students can manage the cost of their education is to graduate on schedule.  By following these guidelines, students can graduate in four years from nearly all undergraduate programs at Missouri State.  For most programs, specific curricular maps are available to illustrate specific plans students can follow to ensure graduation in four years. Additionally, accelerated master's programs are available in some disciplines.

Financial Aid:  We encourage students to be aware of the financial aid and scholarship opportunities available through federal, state, and institutional programs, as well as opportunities for student employment. The deferred payment plan is also a tool that students can use to manage their payments.

* Tuition refers to the basic fee (amount per credit hour) charged for courses.  A student's total fee assessment (referred to as required student fees) is a combination of basic fees and student services fees.  View the costs and fees page for more details.