CNMI degelate introduces college access act that includes ASCC students

Washington, D.C. — CNMI Del. Gregorio Sablan has introduced legislation authorizing special federal tuition assistance for graduates of Northern Marianas College and American Samoa Community College who want to pursue a four-year degree at any public university in the United States, Sablan's office announced Monday. The grant would cover the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition. Sablan's bill is called the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa College Access Act. The Marianas and American Samoa are the only insular areas without four-year colleges.

"Students from the Marianas and Samoa face a significant financial barrier if they want to get a bachelor's degree. Nationwide, nonresident college students spend an average of $14,480 more on tuition than resident students," Sablan stated.

"My legislation would cover that cost for students who have graduated from NMC with a two-year degree and want to go on with their education."

Sablan included a similar provision in last year's reauthorization of federal higher education policies, the Aim Higher Act. That bill, offered by Democrats, did not get a vote in the House of Representatives. But this year, with Democrats in the majority, it is expected that a higher education bill will make it to the floor.

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