The U.S. House of Representatives has approved H.R. 6472, known as the Territorial Student Access to Higher Education Act, introduced by Congressman James Moylan of Guam. The bill seeks to allow students from Guam and other U.S. territories to qualify for in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities across the United States.
Currently, students from these territories are often treated as out-of-state applicants, leading to higher tuition costs for their families. The legislation aims to reduce this financial barrier and increase access to affordable higher education for territorial students.
Congressman Moylan stated, “The passage of H.R. 6472 marks a significant step toward ensuring true parity for American students living in the territories. Too many of our students leave home to pursue degrees that simply aren’t available locally, and too often the financial burden places that opportunity further out of reach for hardworking families.”
He also emphasized the importance of bipartisan collaboration in moving the measure forward: “Delivering results for Guam requires building coalitions, working across committees, and staying focused on solutions that can actually move through Congress,” Moylan said. “This measure strengthens the pipeline of skilled professionals who will help build a stronger, more resilient Guam. It’s about empowering our youth to pursue their dreams without being priced out of them, and ensuring that when they return home, they are ready to lead the next chapter of Guam’s growth.”
The House passage follows several legislative achievements during the 119th Congress involving funding for community projects and defense investments benefiting Guam.
Original cosponsors include Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R–Northern Mariana Islands), Congresswoman Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R–American Samoa), Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett (D–U.S. Virgin Islands), Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández (D–Puerto Rico), and Rep. Salud Carbajal (D–California).
Congresswoman King-Hinds commented on how the bill would benefit her constituents: “Students from the Northern Mariana Islands bring talent, dedication, and a strong commitment to their education when they pursue opportunities across the United States. H.R. 6472 helps expand access to affordable higher education by allowing students from U.S. territories to qualify for in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities. For many CNMI families, higher education requires significant sacrifice, and this bipartisan legislation helps open more doors for our students while strengthening pathways to build the skilled workforce our islands and our nation need.”
Congresswoman Radewagen added: “This is great news for our students, and a successful bipartisan collaboration. Our students deserve the best possible access to four-year university degrees. Millions of American students benefit from in-state tuition, and this innovative bill extends this sensible policy to the islands. Thank you to each of my colleagues. With passage by the full House, we’re a big step closer to fairness and making a major difference in opportunity for our students.”
Congresswoman Plaskett reflected on her ongoing efforts: “I am proud to have Congressman Moylan, Congresswoman Radewagen, Congressman Hernández, and Congresswoman King-Hinds join me in this critical effort to address a fundamental inequity faced by residents of the U.S. territories,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “Since my first term in office, I have advocated for and introduced legislation to expand in-state tuition college access for students in the Virgin Islands and the other U.S. territories… When we invest in the futures of our students, we invest in the future of the Virgin Islands, and in the strength of this nation.”
The bill now moves on to consideration by the Senate.
