One of the things the Mississippi College Board is considering to offset the decrease in state funding is to increase tuition for students. During yesterday's meeting at the state Institutions of Higher Learning offices, Commissioner Hank Bounds brought the issue to the table, reports NEMS360.com

"It is an uncomfortable thing to talk about, but we need to talk about whether (colleges) will have the flexibility to increase revenue," Bounds told the 12-member board during the meeting.

The board of trustees usually deals with tuition increases in late winter or spring, and last year the board did not raise tuitions. The issue was not decided yesterday, however, and no vote was taken.