US House committee advances bill to guarantee in-state tuition for students from four territories

Legislation that would guarantee in-state tuition rates for students from the United States territories of Guam, the US Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa advanced out of the United States House Committee on Education and Workforce on December 11, 2025.

The bipartisan bill, HR 6472, supported by Delegate Stacey Plaskett (D) of the United States Virgin Islands, Delegate James Moylan (R) of Guam, Delegate Uifa’atali Aumua Amata Radewagen (R) of American Samoa, Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández (D) of Puerto Rico, and Delegate Kimberly King-Hinds (R) of the Northern Mariana Islands, would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965. If enacted, it would require public colleges and universities that receive federal funding to charge eligible territorial students no more than the in-state tuition rate.

The committee vote clears the way for the legislation to be considered by the full US House of Representatives.

Students from the territories often face significantly higher costs when pursuing higher education on the mainland United States. Out-of-state tuition rates can be two to three times higher than in-state rates, adding to existing financial pressures tied to higher costs of living in the territories, limited on-island degree options, and the expense of relocating thousands of miles for school.

In a statement following the committee action, Delegate Stacey Plaskett said the bill addresses a long-standing inequity affecting territorial students.

She noted that during her first term, she worked to expand college access for students from the territories, including a provision in the Build Back Better Act that would have helped cover tuition gaps. While that provision did not become law, Plaskett said advancing this legislation represents progress toward equal access to higher education.

Delegate James Moylan emphasized that affordability remains a central concern for families in Guam and neighboring islands, where students frequently must leave home to pursue four-year degrees. He said the bill would reduce a major barrier to higher education and help strengthen the future workforce of the territories.

Delegate Uifa’atali Amata Radewagen highlighted that students in American Samoa do not currently have the same access to in-state tuition benefits available to students in the 50 states. She said the measure would help correct a financial disadvantage and expand academic and career opportunities.

Delegate Kimberly King-Hinds said many students from the Northern Mariana Islands must study off-island due to limited local options. She said extending in-state tuition nationwide would ease the burden on working families and open more educational pathways.

The committee’s chair, Representative Tim Walberg (R) of Michigan, also supported the legislation, pointing to the territories’ role in national security and workforce development, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

If approved by the full US House and US Senate, the bill would move to the president’s desk to be signed into law.