MS Colleges Start Tuition Assistance Programs

Some of Mississippi's public universities have started tuition assistance programs aimed at keeping students in school despite growing education costs.

Among the programs outlined in a report released this week by the state College Board is one at Mississippi State University that pays the base tuition costs not covered by a student's financial aid. The Mississippi State Promise Program will assist eligible freshmen or community college transfers.

MSU plans to raise private donations to fund the program.

Such plans are being implemented as the state's eight universities face a tough economy and state budget cuts. Last month, the state College Board voted to raise average tuition 6.8 percent beginning this fall.

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