Chancellor Tom George said he expects the shift to have a positive impact on the institution.  (Photo by August Jennewein)

The award-winning undergraduate programs of the University of Missouri–St. Louis soon will become available to Illinois residents at a reduced rate, following action by its governing board today.

For many years, residents of the 22 Illinois counties nearest to St. Louis have been able to attend UMSL paying in-state tuition rates. The Curators of the University of Missouri extended that special rate to the entire state beginning in July 2017.

“We noticed a significant increase in Illinois students when we implemented in-state tuition to those counties closest to St. Louis,” UMSL Chancellor Tom George said. “We expect a similar result from this action, as UMSL is the perfect setting for students to gain unique insights from outstanding faculty and work experience from internships at companies and organizations found only in this world-class metropolitan region.”

UMSL currently attracts students from 44 states and 67 countries, but a vast majority of its 17,000 students [including 94 percent of undergraduates] come from Missouri.

“We believe our efforts to recruit and retain students from all walks of life, near and far, make us a stronger institution,” George said, noting that he thought this action bodes well for Missouri students as well.

Media coverage:
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Public Radio