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HB 2787

The Tuition Equity Bill

In Spanish: Ley de equidad de matricula

Portland State University is pleased that on Tuesday, April 2nd, Governor John Kitzhaber signed HB 2787 into law providing students attending Oregon high schools greater access to higher education. PSU President Wim Wiewel – a long-time advocate for Tuition Equity – testified in support of the legislation, stating “Tuition equity is economically beneficial, morally right, and politically smart.”

The law, effective July 1, 2013, grants eligible students who are not citizens or lawful permanent residents of the United States exemption from nonresident tuition if they meet specific criteria (tuition will be assessed at in-state rate).

In order to qualify for the benefits provided by HB 2787, students must:

  • have studied in the United States for five years; 
  • attended an Oregon high school for at least three years;
  • graduated from an Oregon high school (or received equivalent certification);
  • enroll at PSU no more than three years after graduating from high school; and
  • show intention to become a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

Students who are financially dependent upon a person who is not a citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States are also eligible if they meet the same additional criteria.

Undergraduate applicants (freshmen and transfers) who are admissible under current Portland State University admission requirements, and meet the requirements of HB 2787, may be assessed in-state tuition rates at Portland State University beginning fall term 2013.  Recipients are eligible for this benefit for a maximum of five continuous years. Please note:  the assessment of in-state tuition rates under HB 2787 does not change a student’s residency status.  

The law calls for students to submit an affidavit to Portland State University stating that an application to obtain legal immigration status has been, or soon will be filed upon eligibility. 

Prospective students who have questions about applying to PSU under HB 2787 should contact their admissions counselor. For conversation in Spanish, contact: Mario Mesquita, Bilingual Admissions Counselor at 503-725-5508.

Currently enrolled PSU students who wish to be considered for in-state tuition under HB 2787 should contact the Office of the Registrar for details on that process at askres@pdx.edu