MO HB1932

Missouri Department of Higher Education must consider creating a "Pay Forward, Pay Back" pilot program to replace traditional tuition and fee charges at public higher education institutions.

Pilot program would allow Missouri resident students who qualify for admission to enroll tuition-free, but must sign binding contracts to pay a percentage of their annual adjusted gross income to the state or institution for a specified number of years after graduation.

If the department determines a pilot program is warranted, it must submit a proposed program to the 2016 regular legislative session for approval.

Proposed program must include contract terms (number of years and income percentage), immediate funding for the first 15-20 years, and establishment of a revolving fund for repayment collections.

Program specifications may vary by institution based on total education costs, state funding portion, contract length, and income percentage requirements.