Tuition increase attempts to close budget deficit - Hunter Woodall, the Maneater

Following Gov. Jay Nixon's decision to cut higher education spending for the state of Missouri by 7 percent, and MU's decision to increase tuition by 5.8 percent, officials are speaking out about the impact the money will have on the university. After announcing the increase, Nixon came out with a statement that questioned the UM System Board of Curators' decision. "This tuition proposal is well beyond the increase in the cost of living allowed by statute," Nixon said in a January statement. "This should get the scrutiny it deserves from the Commissioner of Higher Education." Office of Student Financial Aid Director Jim Brooks has said the tuition increase will also play a greater role in providing aid for new and returning students.