Mo. university presidents to discuss financial aid

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) -- Public and private university presidents were gathering in Columbia on Tuesday amid contentious talk in Missouri's Capitol about how best to distribute financial aid.

University of Missouri system president Gary Forsee planned to host nine counterparts, including Missouri State president Mike Nietzel and three community college leaders.

State lawmakers are consider a proposal to change the Access Missouri scholarship program by equalizing the amounts students at public and private colleges receive.

Gov. Jay Nixon has called for ending the scholarships altogether for students at private colleges. Those students can now receive almost twice as much money as students at public universities.