Press Release: During visit to nationally-recognized Lincoln Prep Academy, Gov. Nixon discusses efforts to make college more affordable

Contact:           Scott Holste, (573) 751-0290

Scott.Holste@mo.gov

Channing Ansley, (573) 751-0290

Channing.Ansley@mo.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nov. 20, 2014

During visit to nationally-recognized Lincoln Prep Academy, Gov. Nixon discusses efforts to make college more affordable

Missouri again leading all 50 states in holding down tuition increases at public four-year universities, Gov. Nixon announces

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Missouri’s efforts to make college more affordable are paying off in big ways for students and families, Gov. Jay Nixon told students, faculty and staff today at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy in Kansas City. A report released last week by The College Board found Missouri once again leading all 50 states in holding down tuition increases at public universities. The Governor also congratulated the school for being named a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. The national award honors schools whose students achieve at very high levels or who have made significant progress to close gaps in achievement.

“This is truly one of Missouri’s outstanding public schools,” Gov. Nixon said. “And with more than 90 percent of students here at Lincoln Prep going on to college, we are working hard to make sure they won’t have to take on a mountain of debt. After we froze tuition again for the third time in six years, this most recent national report shows that our efforts to make Missouri a national leader in college affordability continue to pay real dividends for students and families across our state.”

Gov. Nixon has made public education a top priority of his administration.  In addition to making record investments in K-12 classrooms and expanding access to early childhood education, Gov. Nixon has worked with Missouri’s public higher educational institutions to hold down tuition by securing three tuition freezes during his tenure. According to data released by the College Board last week, tuition and fees at Missouri’s public four-year institutions have increased just 7% since 2008, the smallest percentage increase in the nation.

More than 91 percent of Lincoln Prep graduates went on to pursue higher education in 2014, significantly higher than the state average. The Governor also applauded the school for scoring a 100 percent on the Missouri School Improvement Program, new, more difficult state standards implemented last year.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students either achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap, especially among disadvantaged and minority students. The U.S. Department of Education says the award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content.

SOURCE: The College Board, Trends in College Pricing 2014

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