A push for parity: The in-state tuition bill for US territories

Early in March, the United States House of Representatives passed HR 6472, entitled the Territorial Student Access to Higher Education Act. This marks a significant achievement since December 11, 2025, when Delegate James Moylan (R) of Guam introduced the bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965. 

The Higher Education Act of 1965 was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on November 8, 1965. It aimed to strengthen educational resources at colleges and provide financial aid for postsecondary students. To do so, it established federal grants, work-study programs, and low-interest loans, significantly increasing access to higher education. 

However, students from the US territories who attend schools in one of the 50 states often have to pay out-of-state tuition. This tuition can often be two or three times the in-state cost, presenting an extra barrier to students and families already facing challenges like long-distance relocation and limited on-island options. Therefore, this change requires universities to charge eligible territorial residents from Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the United States Virgin Islands no more than the in-state tuition rate.

Moylan emphasizes that this change is fundamental for education accessibility.

“We’re not just expanding access to college, we’re ultimately investing in the future workforce, leadership, and economic strength of our islands,” he said. 

In Guam, many critical fields of study are not currently offered on the island. These include healthcare, engineering, technology, and advanced sciences. Moylan hopes that the shift to in-state tuition will increase the likelihood that graduates return home after university to strengthen Guam’s workforce.

According to the US 2020 census bureau, 25.3% of people in Guam over 25 years old had a bachelor’s degree or higher. This number drops to 22.3% for residents of the US Virgin Islands, 21.0% in the Northern Mariana Islands, and 13.3% in American Samoa. 

For Delegate Kimberly King-Hinds (R) of the Northern Mariana Islands, the bill “affirms a simple principle: students from the territories deserve the same educational opportunities as students in the states.” While enabling more graduates to bring home in-demand skills, the bill would continue to provide financial support for students and families residing in US territories for generations to come. 

With House passage secured, HR 6472 now heads to the US Senate, where territorial delegates are working to ensure this legislation crosses the finish line and delivers equity for students.