House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Guarantee In-State Tuition for CNMI and Other Territorial Students

Washington, D.C.- The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6472, bipartisan legislation that ensures students from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, along with Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa, can attend public colleges and universities on the U.S. mainland at in-state tuition rates. This historic step addresses a long-standing barrier for CNMI families, making higher education more affordable and accessible for students leaving the islands to pursue degrees.

The bill updates the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require federally funded public institutions to charge eligible territorial students no more than in-state tuition. Out-of-state tuition can be two to three times higher than in-state rates, creating a significant financial burden for CNMI families who already face higher costs of living and limited local degree programs.

"Students from the Northern Mariana Islands bring talent, dedication, and a strong commitment to their education when they pursue opportunities across the United States. H.R. 6472 helps expand access to affordable higher education by allowing students from U.S. territories to qualify for in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities. For many CNMI families, higher education requires significant sacrifice, and this bipartisan legislation helps open more doors for our students while strengthening pathways to build the skilled workforce our islands and our nation need," said Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-MP).

"The passage of H.R. 6472 marks a significant step toward ensuring true parity for American students living in the territories," said Congressman James Moylan (R-GU). "Too many of our students leave home to pursue degrees that simply aren't available locally, and too often the financial burden places that opportunity further out of reach for hardworking families. This measure strengthens the pipeline of skilled professionals who will help build a stronger, more resilient Guam. It's about empowering our youth to pursue their dreams without being priced out of them, and ensuring that when they return home, they are ready to lead the next chapter of Guam's growth."

"This is great news for our students, and a successful bipartisan collaboration. Our students deserve the best possible access to four-year university degrees. Millions of American students benefit from in-state tuition, and this innovative bill extends this sensible policy to the islands. Thank you to each of my colleagues. With passage by the full House, we're a big step closer to fairness, and making a major difference in opportunity for our students," said Congresswoman Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-AS).

Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett (D-VI) added, "Today is a historic day for students and families across the U.S. territories. Since my first term in office, I have advocated for legislation to expand in-state tuition access for students in the Virgin Islands and the other U.S. territories. In 2022, I secured a provision in the Build Back Better Act, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, that would have established a college access grants program to cover the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition rates for students from the territories. Today, the House has spoken clearly: our students deserve the same educational opportunities and pathways to success as their peers in the states. Guaranteeing in-state tuition is essential to reducing the burden of student debt and opening doors to the careers and training needed to strengthen our local economies. I am proud to have fought alongside my colleagues to advance this legislation, and I urge the Senate to act swiftly so that we can deliver this long-overdue relief to territorial students and families."

"This is a historic win for CNMI students. Guaranteeing in-state tuition removes financial barriers and opens doors for our young people to pursue higher education and return home to strengthen our islands. I now look forward to Senate action on the bill so these opportunities can begin reaching students in the Northern Marianas." said King-Hinds.