Mississippi State University and Mississippi University for Women could see significant funding increases for capital projects and programs under a Senate-approved higher education package now awaiting House action.
The Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning package, which includes several bills outlining funding for the state’s eight public universities, totals more than $4.2 billion.
While the package has received approval by the Senate, the funding is still subject to change as it awaits House approval and Gov. Tate Reeves’ signature.
Mississippi State University
Under Senate Bill 3053, about $1.6 billion from the state general fund and special sources, including student fees and federal funds, would be distributed among the universities.
MSU’s share includes about $1.16 million from the general fund, including interest income from historic land-grant funds and land sales, as well as support for economic development and studies at the T.K. Martin Center. Funding for studies at the center represents an increase of roughly $650,000 over last year.
Five additional Senate bills would provide about $97.1 million for MSU programs, institutes and agricultural units. Those allocations include $6.48 million for the Forest and Wildlife Research Center, $25.68 million for the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, $34.36 million for MSU Extension and $21.36 million for the College of Veterinary Medicine. Those amounts represent increases ranging from 2.9% to 4.6% over fiscal year 2026.
Senate Bill 3054 would add about $9.23 million from the general fund for various MSU programs and facilities, including the MSU Chemical Laboratory, Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems, Mississippi Small Business Development Center, Stennis Center for Higher Learning and Government, Mississippi Water Resources Institute and the university’s supercomputer.
Capital funding could see a substantial boost as well. Senate Bill 2917, which amends legislation passed in 2023 and 2024, reallocates about $59 million from the state Capital Improvement Fund for MSU projects, roughly $35 million more than the $23.5 million allocated in Fiscal Year 2026.
For FY 2027, the Senate proposal includes about $19 million for repairs and renovations to facilities housing the College of Architecture, Art and Design, $15 million for repairs and renovations at the Jim and Thomas Duff Center, $14.3 million for Dorman Hall and $10.68 million in preplanning funds for improvements to Bost Extension Center.
Sid Salter, vice president of strategic communications and director of public affairs at MSU, declined to comment on funding specifics, pending House approval.
“We are advocating and communicating with all our legislators in both houses … about our needs and investments and we appreciate their consideration as those discussions continue,” he wrote in a text to The Dispatch on Thursday.
House Bill 4067, which passed the House on Wednesday, would also authorize MSU to borrow up to $2 million in bonds for renovation and repair projects. The bill is pending Senate approval and Reeves’ signature.
Mississippi University for Women
MUW is set to receive more than $9,000 from the general fund in interest earned on federally donated land sales, consistent with its FY 26 allocation.
From the Education Enhancement Fund, the Senate bill would reappropriate about $2.97 million. Most of that funding would support expansion of the university’s nursing program, while $500,000 would go toward capital needs, construction, repair and renovation. Another $300,000 from the Capital Expense Fund would be reappropriated for Painter Hall renovations.
The Education Enhancement Fund allocation represents a roughly $2.5 million decrease from FY26, when MUW received about $5.47 million, including $3 million for general support such as capital needs, campus support and general repairs and renovations.
In FY 26, MUW also received about $3.16 million from the Capital Expense Fund for construction, renovation and repair projects, in addition to $300,000 for Painter Hall.
Under Senate Bill 2917, MUW would receive about $9.31 million from the IHL Capital Improvements Fund, including $8.71 million for campus upgrades and $300,000 in preplanning funds for repairs and renovations at Old Pohl Gym and Hogarth Center.
Tyler Wheat, communications director for the university, also declined to comment on the proposed funding for capital projects.
“The university is aware of the bills under consideration by the Mississippi Legislature,” he wrote in an email to The Dispatch. “While the bills remain pending, the university will continue to monitor developments and respect the legislative process.”
House Bill 4067 would also authorize MUW to borrow up to $1 million in bonds for general renovation and repair work.
Community colleges
The Senate also approved Senate Bill 3063 on Tuesday, which allocates about $314 million to the state’s 15 community and junior colleges, with $233.3 million from the general fund and $80.8 million from special sources, including $64.8 million from the Education Enhancement Fund.
House Bill 4067 would authorize East Mississippi Community College to borrow up to $1 million in bonds. Separately, House Bill 1653, which passed the House last week, would amend a 2024 law to allocate $2 million from the Local Improvements Projects Fund to EMCC for equipment, furnishings and facility upgrades for its Career Technical Education Program. House Bill 1653 is also still pending Senate approval and Reeves’ signature.
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