Choice and Predictability in Tuition (CAP-IT)

Missouri State University is already known as a great educational value. Cost comparisons show that 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 has three major components:

1. 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.
   1. 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. See Required Student Fees section for details.
   2. Two Year Fixed Tuition Plan: Students will pay slightly higher basic fees for one year but will pay the same rate for the following academic year, regardless of increases in the Standard Tuition Plan rates. For the 2009-10 academic year, the two year fixed tuition plan is not being offered because we have had modest to no tuition increase each of the last two years.
   3. 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.
2. Graduation in Four Years: Another important way that students can manage the cost of their education is to graduate on schedule. By following basic 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 several disciplines.
3. 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 another tool that students can use to manage their payments.

For current details and answers to frequently asked questions, refer to the CAP-IT web site at www.missouristate.edu/capit. 

Required Student Fees for Fall 2009, Spring 2010, Summer 2010

Required Student Fees are a combination of Basic Fees-Tuition and Student Services Fees. Basic Fees-Tuition are assessed based on the student's chosen tuition plan and the level, type, location, and delivery of the course. Audited courses are assessed the same fees as courses taken for credit. The Required Student Fees are subject to revision by the Board of Governors without notice.

Basic Fees-Tuition

Regular Instruction (per credit hour rate)*

• Courses numbered 1-599: $186 for Missouri resident, $362 for non-Missouri resident
• Courses numbered 600-899: $214 for Missouri resident, $418 for non-Missouri resident

*The CAP-IT 2-year Fixed Rate applies only to courses assessed at this rate.

Internet Instruction (per credit hour rate)

• Master of Science in Administrative Studies courses numbered 600-799: $235 for Missouri resident, $235 for non-Missouri resident
• Master of Science in Computer Information Systems courses: $410 for Missouri resident, $410 for non-Missouri resident
• All other courses taught via the internet: $275 for Missouri resident, $275 for non-Missouri resident 

For more detailed information regarding fees for BearNet sites, dual high school courses, and other exceptions, refer to the Costs and Fees web site at: www.missouristate.edu/registrar/costs.htm.

Student Services Fees

Student Services Fees are assessed for classes meeting on the Springfield Campus. Fees are based on an incremental scale based on the number of hours enrolled with the maximum amount being $348 for the fall and spring semesters, and $188 for the summer session. The Student Services Fees are committed to provide activities, programs, and services available to students and cannot be waived regardless of whether or not a student desires to utilize the activities, programs, or services offered. 

The student services fees are assessed at the current semester rate regardless of students' chosen tuition plan. However, the student services fees will generally not be assessed for sections identified in the semester class schedule as: Workshop, Dual Credit/High School Based, Intersession, Cable TV, Video Rental, Cable TV and Video Rental, Internet, Interactive CD, and courses taught in any location other than Springfield Campus. Sections identified as "short" will only be assessed Student Services Fees if the class is scheduled to meet on campus more than four times. Rates for the 2009-2010 academic year are as follows. For more detailed information regarding the Student Services Fees, refer to the Costs and Fees web site at: www.missouristate.edu/registrar/costs.htm.

Fall 2009 and Spring 2010

1 credit hour: $106
2 credit hours: $140
3 credit hours: $172
4 credit hours: $205
5 credit hours: $238
6 credit hours: $271
7 or more credit hours: $348
 
Summer 2010
1 credit hour: $86
2 credit hours: $118
3 credit hours: $151
4 or more credit hours: $188

 
Supplemental Course Fees

Supplemental course fees may be assessed on individual courses to cover the cost of specialized supplies, equipment, or services for instructional purposes that are provided by the University to all students enrolled in the course and are in addition to routine instructional expenses. Such courses and fees are identified in the course description section of the catalog and will be assessed at the time of registration. Students should also be aware that other courses may require the student to purchase specialized materials.

For a complete listing of supplemental course fees, refer to the Costs and Fees web site at: www.missouristate.edu/registrar/costs.htm.

Calculating Required Student Fees

Multiply the number of credit hours for each course by the appropriate per credit hour fee based on the tuition plan chosen and the level, type, location, and delivery of the course. Sum the basic fees for all courses, and add the student services fees appropriate for the total number of credit hours enrolled that are assessed this fee. Add applicable supplemental course fees. 

Example for a Missouri resident utilizing the standard tuition plan for the Fall 2009 semester:

Course	Credit Hours	Per Credit Hour Charge	Basic Fees	Supplemental Course Fees
IDS 110	1	$186	$186	$0
ENG 110	3	$186	$558	$0
COM 115	3	$186	$558	$0
MTH 261	5	$186	$930	$0
PED 118	1	$186	$186	$45
CIS 101	2	$186	$372	$0
Total Tuition	15		$2,790

Total Basic Fees-Tuition: $2,790

Total Student Services Fees: $348

Total Supplemental Course Fees: $45

Total: $3,183

Books and Supplies

Students purchase their own books. A full-time student will spend approximately $400 per semester for books and supplies. Actual book costs will vary based on the student's major, course load, and availability of used textbooks. The total cost can be reduced for by reselling used books.

Selected Other Fees

For a listing of selected other fees (application, music, ID replacement, etc.) refer to the Costs and Fees web site at: www.missouristate.edu/registrar/costs.htm.

Policy on Residency for Fee Purposes

Because Missouri State is a public, state-assisted institution, the fees for Missouri residents are lower than those for non-residents. A student's residence status is determined at the time of admission according to a policy established by the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education and adopted by the Missouri State Board of Governors. Current students seeking a change in their residence classification should contact the Office of Admissions. The complete policy is available on the Admissions Office web site at: www.missouristate.edu/admissions/residency.htm.

Deferred Payment Plan

Missouri State has a Deferred Payment Plan which allows students to defer payment of required student fees and residence hall charges. In addition, Missouri State students, faculty, and staff will be allowed to use their identification numbers to charge miscellaneous charges and fines, including Taylor Health and Wellness Center charges, long distance telephone charges, Missouri State Bookstore charges, and library fines. These miscellaneous charges are not deferred, but are due when billed. Finance charges accrue on the second statement sent.

Fee payment deadlines are published in the semester Registration Guide and appear on each student's online account summary. The  Required Student Fees and residence hall charges, if applicable, must be paid in monthly installments with the balance being paid in full by the fifteenth of the month preceding the end of the semester. Use of the Deferred Payment Plan does incur the assessment of finance charges.

The terms and conditions of the Deferred Payment Plan are printed on the reverse of the Registration Request form and the monthly accounts receivable statement. Students who violate the terms and conditions will be removed from participating and will be required to pay fees in full by the due date.

Fee Payment Methods and Guidelines

Students who have had the privilege of participating in the DPP revoked by the Financial Services Office must pay full fees according to the Fee Payment Deadlines based on date of initial registration. Students may appeal to the Financial Services Office to be reinstated to the Deferred Payment Plan. Payments must be received by the Missouri State Bursar's Office, not simply postmarked by the due date specified. In addition, students who withdraw from the University will continue to owe fees if the withdrawal is not requested in writing on or before the 100 percent refund deadline for the course(s) enrolled. Refer to the "Refund Policy for Drops and Withdrawals" section below for further information. Financial aid, employee waivers, graduate assistant fee waivers and/or credit balances are not always automatically applied towards outstanding fees. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that aid or waivers are applied properly or to request a credit balance from a previous semester be applied to the appropriate fees prior to the applicable deadline(s).

Students who do not complete payment of current semester Required Student Fees and residence hall charges by the deadline will:

1. Have their future registration(s), if any, cancelled (thereby making those classes available to other students)
2. Be removed from the Deferred Payment Plan
3. Will have a hold placed on their record until paid

Fee Payment Locations

• In person at the Bursar’s Office, Carrington Hall 102, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, Cash, Check, Debit, or Credit Card (American Express, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover)
• Mail payment to: Bursar’s Office, Missouri State University, 901 S National, Springfield MO 65897
• Phone in credit card payment to (417) 836-5128, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
• Drop Box: Bursar's Office, Carrington Hall 102, 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (check only)
• Online with credit card or E-Check at www.missouristate.edu/bursar

Policies Regarding Payment of Fees

The purpose of this section is to inform students of the actions which may be taken when fees assessed by the University are not paid in a timely fashion.

All charges assessed by the University are due and payable within 30 days of the date the debt was incurred. If a student makes payment by check and that check is not honored by the student's bank, the student will be notified and must make restitution within ten days from receipt of notification.

When a student has unpaid charges which are over 30 days past due or has otherwise failed to make satisfactory arrangements for the settlement of a University account, the University may: place an encumbrance on the student's record which will prevent registration for future semesters and the release of transcripts and diplomas, as well as access by the student to other University services except where an emergency medical situation may exist; offset the student's payroll checks (for student employees) or refunds issued through University offices until the debt is repaid; assess a late registration fee (when a check for required student fees is not honored by the student's bank); remove the student from University housing; and/or disenroll the student. Failure to repay short-term loans by the specified date could make a student ineligible for future financial assistance. Charges which remain unpaid after an extended period of time may be reported to the Credit Bureau of Springfield for credit reporting and collection purposes. The reported data are compiled on the debtor's permanent credit file. Past due charges may also be reported to the Missouri Department of Revenue to be offset against the debtor's Missouri income tax refund.

Inquiries regarding unpaid charges should be directed to: Financial Services Office, Missouri State, 901 South National, Springfield, Missouri 65897, phone (417) 836-5632.

Should a student feel that a notification of indebtedness is incorrect, the student may submit a written appeal, citing the grounds for the appeal, through the Vice President for Student Affairs Office within ten school days from the date of notification.

Refund Policy for Drops and Withdrawals

Students who withdraw from the University or drop a course may receive a partial refund of the required student fees (or a change in their fee assessment if all fees have not been paid) provided they complete the formal drop or withdrawal process by the established deadlines appropriate to the length or delivery method of the class. Students who are enrolled in the Deferred Payment Plan are responsible for the amount of unpaid fees after the refund or re-assessment.

If a student receives a scholarship, grant, or loan from the University the refund is used to repay the scholarship, grant, or loan. A refund is made to the student only if the refund exceeds the amount of the award from the University. For students who are recipients of Federal Title IV student aid, refunds will be made in accordance with all applicable federal regulations. Examples of refund calculations for Title IV aid recipients are available in the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Refer to the "Academic Regulations" section of this catalog for information regarding the drop and withdrawal policies and procedures. Refund deadline dates are available on the web at: www.missouristate.edu/registrar/costs.htm and on the Master calendar and in the semester Registration Guides.

The date used in determining the refund of fees shall be the date the student completes the transaction online or submits an official withdrawal request to the Office of the Registrar or the postmark date of withdrawal requests submitted by mail. If a student drops or withdraws from a full semester length class prior to the ninth week, the refund shall be of follows:

• On or before the fifth day of the semester: 100% of Basic Fees-Tuition*
• Days 6 through 10 of the semester: 75% of Basic Fees-Tuition*
• Days 11 through 20 of the semester: 50% of Basic Fees-Tuition*
• Days 21 through 40 of the semester: 25% of Basic Fees-Tuition*
• After the 40th day of the semester: No refund

*After the last day to withdraw, the student must have permission of the Provost or Associate Provost to withdraw from the class.

Refunds for all other class lengths including the summer session are proportionate to the length of the above refund periods. Specific dates and deadlines are published in the semester Registration Guides.

Student Services Fees are not refunded based on a percentage of the amount paid. Rather, students are responsible for the liable biling hours (i.e., the hours in which they remain enrolled.)

Note: Studens who drop courses during the Change of Schedule period will be issued a refund in accordance with the Required Student Fee Refund Schedule. Because courses are not supposed to be added after the Change of Schedule period, dropped courses and added courses (including section changes) will result in an additional financial obligation for the student. Exceptions may be granted when the department of the course(s) dropped and added provides written verification to the Office of the Registrar stating that the change was required or recommended by the department.

Exceptions to the Fee Refund Policy

Exceptions to the Withdrawal and Change of Schedule refund policies must be approved by the Office of the Registrar and are generally granted only when a documented University error has occurred. Refund exceptions may also be granted when the deadline is missed by a few days due to documented exceptional circumstances that were beyond the control of the student (e.g. medical, death in the family, etc.). Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Office of Registrar, 320 Carrington Hall, within one month of the withdrawal or change of schedule and must be accompanied by apprppriate supporting documentation. 

Courses which are offered through the Missouri State Online Program (Internet-based instruction) and are self-paced or off-sequence in regard to the regular semester schedule will utilize a special refund schedule adapted to the specific time frames of the individual courses. The administrators of the online program will maintain a refund schedule and authorize refunds for such courses.

Courses in the Master of Science in Computer Information Systems program, which combine an intensive on-campus residency and distance learning in an extended semester format, will utilize a special refund schedule adapted to the specific time frames of the individual courses. The College of Business Administration will maintain the refund schedule and authorize refunds for such courses.

Room and Board Costs

See the "Housing" section of the catalog.