The U.S. House of Representatives has approved the Territorial Student Access to Higher Education Act (H.R. 6472), a bipartisan bill aimed at ensuring students from American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands can pay in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities on the mainland.
The legislation passed with a vote of 351-72 after debate in the House. It now moves to the Senate for consideration before it can become law.
Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata, who co-led the bill and has worked on this policy for several Congresses, emphasized its significance for students from the territories. “Thank you to Chairman Walberg, my colleagues Representatives Moylan, King-Hinds, Plaskett, and Hernández Rivera, along with special appreciation to former Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, as this is a longtime shared priority that we worked on together in prior Congresses,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata.
She 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. With strong bipartisan passage this week by the full House, we’re a big step closer to fairness, and making a major difference in opportunity in the lives of our students.”
If enacted into law, H.R. 6472 would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 so that public institutions receiving federal funds must charge eligible territorial residents no more than what they charge state residents for tuition. Currently, out-of-state tuition is often two or three times higher than in-state rates—a cost barrier for families already facing high living expenses and limited degree options locally.
Supporters say that easing these financial barriers will allow more territory-based students to pursue higher education opportunities across the country.
“The passage of H.R. 6472 marks a significant step toward ensuring true parity for American students living in the territories,” Congressman Moylan said. “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. 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.”
Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds highlighted how important affordable higher education is for families from her district: “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 Stacey Plaskett also commented on what she described as an important milestone: “Today is a historic day for students and families across the U.S. territories. Since my first term in office I have advocated for legislation to expand in-state tuition access for students in the Virgin Islands and other U.S territories,” she said.“Today,the House has spoken clearly:ourstudentsdeservethesameeducationalopportunitiesandpathwaystosuccessastheirpeersinthestates.Guaranteeingin-statetuitionisessentialtoreducingtheburdenofstudentdebtandopeningdoorstothecareersandtrainingneededtostrengthenourlocaleconomies.Iamproudtohavefoughtalongsidemycolleaguestoadvancethislegislation,andIurgetheSenatetoactswiftlysothatwecandeliverthislong-overduerelieftoterritorialstudentsandfamilies.”
The bill was introduced with sponsorship or support from all five territorial representatives: Rep.James Moylan (Guam), Rep.Aumua Amata (American Samoa), Rep.Kimberlyn King-Hinds (Northern Mariana Islands), Rep.Stacey Plaskett (U.S.Virgin Islands),and Rep.Pablo Hernández Rivera (Puerto Rico).
