Regents approve 2025-26 tuition rates; new programs in business, ag mechanics

Northwest Missouri State University’s Board of Regents, during its regular session Friday morning, approved rates for the institution’s 2025-26 academic year, including tuition and fees, room and board rates, and supplemental fees.

Citing Northwest’s commitment to meeting student expectations and enhancing their collegiate experience, while ensuring the University’s ability to sustain operational excellence in a highly competitive higher education market, the Board approved a 4 percent increase to its rates.

Based on 30 credit hours, in-state undergraduate students attending Northwest next fall will see an estimated average annual net tuition increase of $225, while out-of-state undergraduate students will see an estimated average annual net tuition increase of $450.

Additionally, room and board rates will increase between $396 and $564 annually, depending on the residence hall and meal plan a student selects.

Tuition rates for graduate-level programs vary, based on program and delivery methods.

Presenting the proposed rates to regents, Vice President of Finance and Administration Stacy Carrick noted Northwest’s commitment to affordability and competitiveness, evidenced in 95 percent of first-time, full-time students and 83 percent of all undergraduate degree-seeking students receiving scholarships or grants. Northwest's innovative textbook and laptop rental programs also save students an average of $6,800 during the span of a four-year degree program.  

Further, according to a recent report released by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, Northwest is the most efficient among the state’s public universities for state appropriations per full-time equivalent student.

Curriculum proposals

The Board approved the creation of bachelor’s degrees to help students develop skills in public administration and in agricultural mechanics and manufacturing. Regents also approved the launch of a master’s degree in management science.

Beginning in spring 2026, the Bachelor of Science degree in public administration, which will be offered online and on campus, will help students increase their readiness, particularly when paired with a minor in areas such as accounting, economics or media. Meanwhile, the Bachelor of Science in Technology Systems Management degree in agricultural mechanics and manufacturing, which will be offered solely on campus, builds on opportunities available in Northwest’s remodeled McKemy Center for Lifelong Learning and feedback from industry professionals as well as students; it will launch in the fall.

The new Master of Science degree in management science will assist students seeking to advance their careers and knowledge of advanced analytical tools and data to make informed decisions in organizations. The graduate program will begin in the fall and be offered on campus and online.

In other business

Additionally, regents approved the conferral of degrees to students graduating from Northwest this spring, the appointments of seven adjunct faculty to teach during the University’s upcoming term and the Board’s 2025-26 meeting schedule.

During his report to the Board, Northwest President Dr. Lance Tatum thanked the outgoing presidents of University organizations, Faculty Senate President Dr. Rob Voss, Staff Council President Duane Havard and Student Senate President Chloe DeVries, who graduates this spring with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a biochemistry emphasis.

The president also discussed recent legislative activity at the state and federal levels as well as Northwest’s announcement this week of its academic restructuring and the launch of a Center for Engagement and Community Connections when the fall semester begins.

Finally, Tatum welcomed Steve Black, who on Friday joined the Board for the first time as its newest member. Black, a Northwest alumnus and Maysville resident, was appointed to the Board in March.

“Regent Black, from our very first conversation, has been deeply interested in the operations and the work of the University,” Tatum said. “He has invested a great deal of time over the last 30 to 45 days getting himself up to speed so that when he participated in today’s meeting, he would feel like he had enough input and information to make informed decisions. We are excited about the future and the experiences and the resources that Regent Black will bring to the table.”

The Board of Regents is responsible for sound resource management of the University and determining general, educational and financial policies.