May 26, 2020 - UMSL to waive online course fees for the fall semester
Dear UMSL Students,
I want to take a moment to share important updates with our Triton community. Although we are facing challenges and uncertainties due to the public health crisis, our top priority remains to continue to provide all UMSL students with a high-quality and affordable education.
With that in mind, UMSL has decided to waive online supplemental fees – currently $62.30 per credit hour – for the fall semester. This summer alone, students have benefited from more than $1.6 million in discounts from waiving online course fees. We hope that by extending the discount you will be better able to continue your academic progress and move forward to earn your degree.
While we are planning for a safe return to campus in the fall, we have increased our fully online and blended course offerings to give you the flexibility to choose your preferred course formats. Whatever the format, we are certain you will have an outstanding experience. For three years in a row U.S. News & World Report has ranked UMSL No. 1 in Missouri and among the top 15 percent nationally for best online bachelor's programs.
In addition to extending the online fee waiver, UMSL has taken a variety of actions to support current and prospective students during the pandemic. Among them, UMSL adopted a test-optional process for fall applicants, removed standardized test score requirements for students over the age of 24 and modified its financial hold policy to allow students with a balance of $1,000 or less to continue to enroll with modified payment plans. We have also made investments in key faculty hires to bring teaching and learning expertise to many of our in-demand degree programs.
In April, UMSL became the first higher education institution in Missouri to distribute its allocation of CARES Act funding to support students who have been experiencing financial hardships due to the pandemic. In total, more than $2.9 million in emergency financial aid supported nearly 1,500 undergraduate and graduate students here at UMSL. Additionally, a Triton Emergency Fund launched in March to help students meet urgent needs, such as rent or utility payments, through private philanthropic support.
We will continue to support your educational journey with a focus on ensuring student success and outcomes. As I have stated before, I admire the perseverance that each of you have demonstrated. Your commitment to learning and continued focus on completing your degrees inspires us all to move forward in this unprecedented time.
Kristin Sobolik
Chancellor
University of Missouri–St. Louis
