In-state tuition rates expanded for refugees
Refugees living in Vermont are now able to pay in-state tuition rates to attend local community colleges.
The program, which began in June, allows refugees to pay the same rate to attend schools in the Vermont State Colleges system as residents due to an expansion of Act 166.
Schools that are part of the state's community college system include Castleton University, Community College of Vermont, Northern Vermont University and Vermont Technical College.
"Adopting this inclusive measure system-wide will ensure that refugees who have come to Vermont are able to pursue their educational goals no matter where they live,” Sen. Brian Campion, chair of the Senate Education Committee, said in a statement.
The policy will also be upheld when the system transitions to the new Vermont State University in July of next year.
“We are committed to lowering barriers of access to public higher education in Vermont and ensuring that opportunities for workforce development and educational advancement are adapting to meet the needs of modern learners," Vermont State University President Parwinder Grewal said in a statement.