Did you know there are over 25,000 Tennesseans who graduated from local high schools who are not eligible for in-state tuition at Tennessee colleges? Students who could be studying to be engineers, nurses, accountants and more. Undocumented students must pay up to three times the in-state tuition rate no matter how long they have lived in Tennessee. Often they go to other states where tuition equality makes college affordable, or forgo college altogether and miss the opportunity to contribute at a greater level to our state. We are grateful for Senator Todd Gardenhire (R-Chattanooga) and Representative Mark White (R-Memphis) for proposing a bill SB612/HB675 to allow undocumented immigrant students who are legally present to pay in-state tuition at Tennessee state colleges and universities
Some important facts about this bill:
- Benefits students. Currently undocumented students, regardless of how long they have lived in Tennessee, pay up to three times the cost of in-state tuition.
- Benefits state colleges and universities. Allowing all Tennessee residents to pay in-state tuition means increased enrollment and revenue.
- Recoups investment. Sen. Gardenhire asserts that for a K-12 education the state has already spent over $100,000 to educate a student and by allowing them to continue and pay their fair share for college, we can recoup that investment in an educated workforce.
- Keeps money in Tennessee. 19 states currently offer in-state tuition to residents regardless of immigration status. Universities in neighboring states have seen the opportunity and now offer in-state tuition to undocumented students from Tennessee.
- Minimal cost. In-state tuition is one of the most cost effective ways to ensure a more educated population and create and attract employment.
- Increases high school success. Having viable and affordable college options helps keep students engaged and focused on graduating from high school.
Will you stand with us and with Tennessee students who want their fair shot at an education?
Contact your Senator and Representative today. Find your legislator here: http://www.capitol.tn.gov/legislators/
Make a donation to our work helping Latino families in Nashville though advocacy and other programs and services.
Read the full text of the bills here SB 0612/ HB 0675
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