Education Equality Act

Support Equal Access in Public Higher Education!
Support Education Equality for Immigrant Students! Support HB1175 and SB603!

The Issue

Every year hundreds of Massachusetts high school students are unable to pursue their dreams of higher education because they are barred from accessing the same in-state tuition rates as their peers. Currently, Massachusetts students without permanent residency status are denied equal access to in-state tuition rates at public universities and colleges. Out-of -state tuition is three to five times the cost, making it practically impossible for capable students to attend college. These students have lived in MA most of their lives and could be our future doctors, teachers and engineers.

The Solution: Campaign for Education Equality

The Campaign for Education Equality proposes a solution that would allow students who have attended a Massachusetts high school for three years and have graduated or received the equivalent of a diploma to pay the same in-state tuition rates as their peers at public colleges. If the student is not a legal permanent resident, they must sign an affidavit stating that they have filed an application to become a legal permanent resident, or will file an application as soon as they are eligible.

Opportunity for Educational Success: These students have earned the right to go to college. They are high achieving students, have worked hard to excel in school, and will accomplish great things if given a chance. Most came as young children, through no fault of their own.

Economic benefit to the state: MA Taxpayers Foundation says Education Parity would generate $2.5 million in new revenue for the Commonwealth. Massachusetts public colleges will receive $2.5 million dollars in new tuition payments from students who are currently not attending college because of the high cost of out of state rates. In the long term, Massachusetts will derive positive benefits from increased tax revenues and a greater number of educated workers. Ten other states have passed similar legislation (New Mexico, Texas, Utah, California, New York, Illinois, Washington, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma)

Taxpayers of today, taxpayers of tomorrow: Immigrant students and their families work, pay taxes, and are an important part of our state’s economy. Education Equality benefits our state’s economy, as these students are able to develop new skills and advance their careers, allowing them to earn more and contribute more to the state in taxes.

Education Equality would allow immigrant students equal access to the same tuition rates as all residents of Massachusetts. It would not provide financial aid, scholarships or loans. Currently the Campaign for Education Equality is focusing on the passage of legislation- the Education Parity Act- in 2009 which would provide equal access to in-state tuition rates.

Take Action

  1. Call your State Reps & Senators and ask them to support the Education Parity Act 2009. Find your Rep/Senators at: www.wheredoivotema.com
  2. Have Superintendents, Mayors, City Councils, etc in your community endorse Education Parity Campaign

Download Resources

Join Us!

To join the campaign & for more information, contact:
Student Immigrant Movement (SIM) at 617-830-1813 or at educationequality@simforus.com