Tuition Equity
Tuition Equity (HB 2787, see details below) is a law providing students attending Oregon high schools greater access to higher education. It allows Portland State University to grant undocumented Oregon students the resident (in-state) tuition rate, if they meet specific criteria. Although applicants who qualify for Tuition Equity will be assessed resident tuition at Portland State University, a student’s formal residency classification does not change.
En Español: Ley de Equidad de Matricula
Eligibility
In order to qualify for the benefits provided by Tuition Equity, students must meet all of the following criteria:
- Have studied in the United States for five years prior to graduating from high school (or receiving equivalent certification)
- Have attended an Oregon high school for at least three years immediately preceding graduation or equivalent
- Have graduated from an Oregon high school (or received equivalent certification)
- 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.
How to Apply
To be considered for resident tuition, students must do the following:
- Apply to PSU
- On the Personal Information page of the admission application
- Under Citizenship Status select "Non-US Citizen"
- Answer “yes” to “Do you want to be considered for in-state tuition under HB 2787 (tuition equity)?"
- Complete the Tuition Equity Request for Exemption from Nonresident Tuition and Fees Affidavit
- Submit the form to the Residency Officer.
Contact
Prospective Students contact your admissions counselor.
Current Students who wish to be considered for resident tuition contact PSU's Residency Office.
HB 2787
In 2013, Governor John Kitzhaber signed HB 2787 into law providing students attending Oregon high schools greater access to higher education. HB 2787 grants eligible students who are not citizens or lawful permanent residents of the United States exemption from nonresident tuition if they meet specific criteria, meaning they will be assessed an in-state rate for tuition. Subsequently, Governor Kate Brown signed SB 932 in 2015 and HB 1563 in 2018, both of which removed several eligibility restrictions under HB 2787.