Press Room

Provision will equalize access to higher education and state financial assistance

(BOSTON–8/10/2023) On Wednesday, Governor Maura Healey signed into law a provision that would allow Massachusetts high school graduates, regardless of immigration status, to qualify for in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities.

Otherwise known as tuition equity, the measure—initially championed in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget by the Massachusetts Senate—also unlocks state financial aid for undocumented students. To qualify, an individual must have attended a Massachusetts high school for at least three years and graduated, or obtained their GED in the Commonwealth.

“This is good policy, this is smart policy, and this is the right thing to do to finally give undocumented students in Massachusetts the same access to higher education as their peers,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Not only does it open the door to the world-class public education options in Massachusetts for students who may have not otherwise attended, it also makes a financially stable future attainable for people who have long called Massachusetts home, and who want to build a future here. It harnesses their talent and will allow countless individuals the opportunity to participate in our economy and keep us competitive, in a moment when the need for skilled workers has never been greater. I offer my sincere thanks to Chair Rodrigues, Senator Crighton, members of the conference committee, Speaker Mariano, and our colleagues in the House for including this measure in the final budget, and to Governor Healey for signing it into law. This will undoubtedly make an incalculable positive impact on so many of our friends and neighbors.”

“This is clearly an education budget, with one of the most innovative and impactful components of this budget being the provision for in-state tuition for all Massachusetts students,” stated Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport). “The time has come to finally start providing our bright and motivated young students, who struggle to rise above cycles of generational poverty, with the same educational opportunities as their fellow residents. This game-changer levels the playing field for all college aspirants, regardless of their immigration status, to make higher education a reality. An educated workforce economy empowers and reinvigorates the workforce pipeline.”

“Every student should have the same access to higher education in Massachusetts,” said Senator Brendan P. Crighton (D-Lynn). “This common-sense policy is not only the morally right thing to do, but it will also help grow our skilled workforce and strengthen our economy. Thank you to President Spilka for her leadership on this issue and to the many advocates who have fought for decades to get this law passed.”

Under previous law, undocumented students—many of whom have lived in Massachusetts for most of their lives—who were enrolled at a public college or university in Massachusetts were required to pay the out-of-state tuition rate, which can be more than double the in-state tuition rate. As a result, students had to either put aside their dreams of college or put aside their families’ other priorities to pay for the out-of-state cost without financial assistance.

Advocates and higher education leaders from around the Commonwealth have lauded the new policy.

“MIRA celebrates the legislature’s passage of tuition equity as it marks a historic moment for so many of our students,” said Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition. “Massachusetts is now one step closer to ensuring that higher education is far more equitable and accessible for all residents, regardless of immigration status. By allowing all eligible immigrants the opportunity to access in-state tuition and financial aid at public colleges and universities, Massachusetts will not only empower immigrant communities, but increase school attendance and better prepare our workforce for the future. We are grateful to Senate President Spilka, Speaker Mariano, and all legislators for their leadership on this issue and are thankful to Governor Healey for signing the measure into law.”

"I am overjoyed with the action of our elected officials for their leadership and inclusiveness,” said Lenita Reason, Executive Director of the Brazilian Worker Center and member of MA Tuition Equity Coalition (MTEC) Steering Committee. “Tuition equity is important not only for our youth, it is essential to our community as a whole, and it is an investment in the future of all of the Commonwealth.”

“I applaud the Legislature for including language in the state budget that will make Massachusetts high school graduates eligible for in-state tuition and state-sponsored financial aid, regardless of their immigration status as is the law in many states,” said Marty Meehan, President of the University of Massachusetts. “Besides giving real hope to young people who are pursuing the American dream through education, it will enhance the life of our UMass campuses and strengthen the Massachusetts economy, which faces serious talent pipeline challenges.”

“In addition to the many other budget items that will allow the community colleges to better serve the Commonwealth, granting in-state tuition to undocumented students is particularly important,” said David Podell, President of Massachusetts Bay Community College. “I applaud our legislators for including this critical provision that will help many students afford college, pursue their studies, and enter productive career paths. This is a major step in our pursuit of equity and fairness,”

“We are extremely grateful to the Massachusetts Legislature for passing in-state tuition for undocumented students, as this helps us achieve our mission of making educational opportunity more accessible to all,” said John D. Keenan, Salem State University President and Chair of the State Universities Council of Presidents. “It is good for both our economy and our efforts to advance a more equitable higher education system.”

“At Bunker Hill and at our other community colleges across the state, we know our undocumented students make important contributions to the vibrancy of our workforce and our communities,” said Pam Eddinger, President of Bunker Hill Community College. “Tuition equity removes the barrier of high tuition and accelerates degree completion. We are grateful for the long-term vision of the Legislature and the Healey Administration—our economy requires that we lift every resident with education and opportunity, and leave no talent behind.”

With the Governor’s signature, Massachusetts joins 23 other states and the District of Columbia in allowing undocumented students to access in-state tuition at all public higher education institutions. Of those states, Massachusetts joins 17 and the District of Columbia in also offering access to state financial aid for these students. States that grant undocumented students access to in-state tuition include states across the political spectrum, including Arizona, Florida, and Kentucky. Similarly, states that also provide financial aid to these students include Texas, Utah, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, and New Jersey.

Tuition equity has led to increased academic achievement, reduced drop-out rates, increased college attendance, and raised student incomes and tax contributions in these states. In Massachusetts, undocumented immigrants contribute about $184 million per year in state and local taxes. Boosting access to higher education can improve a person’s earning potential, which would increase tax contributions.

“Meeting the workforce challenges of today and tomorrow will take creative solutions and a collective will to ensure that Massachusetts continues to have the diverse talent pipeline that employers throughout the Commonwealth need to grow and thrive,” said JD Chesloff, President & CEO of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable. “Yet too many immigrants are blocked from full participation in the workforce due to a variety of challenges including barriers to educational opportunities. The Roundtable is grateful to the Conference Committee for including the proposal to allow in-state tuition to immigrants without legal status who have attended a Massachusetts high school for at least three years and graduated or obtained their GED here. As talent is increasingly less available or living elsewhere, developing a pipeline of immigrant workers here through policies like this one will play a critical role in maintaining the state’s competitive advantage,”

“I am grateful to the legislature, and particularly Senate President Spilka, for including tuition equity for undocumented students in the FY24 budget,” said Lane Glenn, President of Northern Essex Community College. “Northern Essex Community College has a campus in the Gateway City of Lawrence, also known as the ‘Immigrant City,’ and I know firsthand that this important policy will immediately benefit students in Lawrence and across the Commonwealth, make Massachusetts more economically competitive with other states, and better prepare the workforce we need in the years ahead.”