Equal Access to Public Higher Education hits a Roadblock

Governor Deval Patrick has decided against taking action to allow illegal immigrants to pay resident tuition and fees at state colleges and universities this fall... ("Tuition aid to illegal immigrants falters")

The Boston Globe reports today that Governor Patrick has given up on trying to provide equal access to in-state tuition for undocumented residents of the Commonwealth through executive action, due to the Board of Higher Education refusing to act. The governor still supports tuition fairness, but there is too much opposition in the House to pass it legislatively at this time. This stumbling block is a huge example of the need for Welcoming Massachusetts and the need for everyone in the state to let their Representatives know that we support an inclusive community, and that includes equality in access to public higher education, and also to support progressive challengers to help build support in the State House.

The graph on the right from shows the financial impact of the status quo: tuition and fees for out-of-state students at state colleges and universities is over twice the in-state rate, and at community colleges it is close to three times the rate. This last fact is most significant for low-income families as the community college system is the best stepping stone out of poverty.

This two-tiered system is not only divisive in the community, but also decreases revenue to the state higher education system. Estimates by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation indicate that only about 100 students in this situation are currently enrolled, but if access was made equal to all residents, about 600 more students would enroll each year, bringing in about $2.5 million.

Laura, a 17-year-old student from Colombia who spoke on condition that her last name be withheld, beamed at the word congratulations on her acceptance letter from Salem State in her family's apartment in an East Boston three-decker this week. Her parents brought her here five years ago after their business went bankrupt and to flee scenes of war.

In school, she quickly learned English, took Advanced Placement classes, and earned A's and B's on her report card. But non-resident tuition and fees at Salem State cost $12,410 a year, double the in-state rate and more than she can afford.

"It's really sad and really discouraging," Laura said.

Please contact your state representative today and let her/him know you support equal access in public higher education. You can find you reps' names and contact info at wheredoivotema.com