Nixon says even if tuition increases next year, Missouri was protected for past two years

“College affordability has been a top priority of mine since Day One," Nixon said.

Nixon said in his written address that currently only 35 percent of Missouri adults have college degrees. He said Missouri needs to move that up to 60 percent for Missouri adults to compete for top jobs in the economy.

“So while tuition soared by double digits around the nation, Missouri schools kept tuition and fees flat for two years running,” Nixon said. “Even if some schools impose modest tuition increases next year, we’ll have protected Missouri families from the sharp tuition spikes seen in other states.”

Nixon said college enrollment increased by 10,000 students last year, increasing applications at all of Missouri’s universities.