Ellington

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The University of Southern Mississippi is cutting tuition for students from outside the state in a bid to boost enrollment and revenue.

Mississippi's College Board voted Thursday to approve USM's plans to cut non-resident tuition and fees from $16,529 to $9,964 starting in fall 2017. In-state residents are scheduled to pay $7,963 for the same two semesters of full time classes starting then.

Facing a flat number of high school graduates in the state, Mississippi universities are trying to attract students from elsewhere. Three smaller universities — Alcorn State, Delta State and Mississippi Valley State — have dropped surcharges on nonresidents, charging them the same as Mississippi residents.

Vice President of Finance and Administration Douglas Vinzant says USM believes it can benefit by filling empty seats in classrooms with non-residents.