Mississippi House Bill HB1395

Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/19/24
• Refer: 2/19/24
• Failed: 3/5/24

Caption

Community and junior colleges; authorize the board of trustees to reduce or waive out-of-state tuition for certain students.

Impact

If passed, HB1395 would have significant implications for higher education funding and enrollment strategies within Mississippi. By allowing these institutions greater flexibility in tuition pricing for certain out-of-state students, the bill presents an opportunity for colleges to enhance their competitiveness and attract students who may otherwise enroll in institutions in their home states. This approach is seen as a way to bolster the local economy through increased educational population and consequently, consumer spending.

Summary

House Bill 1395 seeks to amend the Mississippi Code of 1972 to allow community and junior colleges bordering another state to implement policies for reducing or waiving out-of-state tuition for residents from adjacent counties or parishes. This bill aims to incentivize enrollment from nearby states by making college more accessible to students living close to Mississippi's borders, thereby potentially increasing student numbers and revenue for the colleges involved.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill may arise from concerns related to potential impacts on Missouri residents and the established tuition structures. Critics may question whether in-state students might face increased tuition rates as institutions adjust pricing to accommodate new policies for out-of-state students. Additionally, the long-term sustainability of relying on out-of-state enrollment for financial security may be scrutinized, especially if economic conditions change or policies alter in neighboring states.