H.R. 6472: To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for in-state tuition rates for certain residents of Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the United States Virgin Islands, and for other purposes.

This bill aims to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow certain residents of specific U.S. territories—namely Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the United States Virgin Islands—to pay in-state tuition rates when attending public institutions of higher education in any U.S. state. Below are the key provisions outlined in the bill:

In-State Tuition Rates

The bill establishes that public higher education institutions that receive federal assistance must not charge tuition rates that exceed those charged to residents of the state in which the institution is located. This applies specifically to:

• Residents of Guam
• Residents of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
• Residents of American Samoa
• Residents of the United States Virgin Islands

Definition of Covered Individuals

The bill defines "covered individuals" eligible for this provision as:

• Individuals who are residents of one of the specified territories.
• Individuals who are nationals of the United States, as defined in the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Compliance Requirement for Institutions

To maintain eligibility for federal assistance, institutions must agree to comply with the new tuition rate requirements specified in the bill. This compliance is included as a condition in the program participation agreements that institutions must sign to receive federal funding.

Overall Impact

The primary goal of this bill is to provide equitable access to affordable higher education for residents of these U.S. territories, enabling them to pursue college education at the same cost as their peers in the respective states where they study.

Relevant Companies

None found