Territorial Student Access to Higher Education Act

Bill Number

H.R. 6472

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Education

Status

Passed House

Latest Action

2026-03-09: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Last Updated

2026-06-11T23:26:38Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Territorial Student Access to Higher Education Act (H.R. 6472) aims to make higher education more affordable for certain U.S. nationals living in U.S. territories by requiring public colleges and universities to charge them in-state tuition rates, rather than higher out-of-state rates.

Key Provisions

• In-State Tuition Requirement: Adds a new section (135A) to the Higher Education Act of 1965, mandating that public institutions of higher education receiving federal assistance must charge "covered individuals" tuition and fees at the same rate as in-state residents of the state where the institution is located.
• Definition of Covered Individuals: This applies to individuals who are residents of Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), American Samoa, or the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), and who qualify as U.S. nationals under the Immigration and Nationality Act (meaning they owe permanent allegiance to the U.S. but may not have full citizenship rights).
• Compliance in Federal Agreements: Updates the program's participation agreement for institutions (section 487(a)) to require compliance with the new in-state tuition rule.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Previously, residents of U.S. territories attending public institutions in the 50 states were often charged higher out-of-state tuition rates, despite their status as U.S. nationals.
• This bill introduces a federal mandate for equal in-state rates for eligible territorial residents, tying it to institutions' eligibility for federal student aid funding. It does not alter existing residency requirements for state tuition but creates a specific exception for these groups.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens: Lowers financial barriers for territorial residents pursuing higher education in the mainland U.S., potentially increasing access and enrollment for thousands of students from these areas, who often face higher costs due to limited local college options.
• On Government Agencies and Institutions: Public colleges and universities receiving federal aid (most do) must adjust tuition policies, which could lead to revenue losses from reduced out-of-state fees; the U.S. Department of Education would enforce compliance through aid agreements. No direct impact on international relations, as it focuses on domestic U.S. territories.
• Broader Effects: May encourage more territorial students to study on the mainland, boosting diversity in higher education and supporting economic mobility in underserved regions.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Territorial Residents and Students: Primary beneficiaries, especially U.S. nationals from Guam, CNMI, American Samoa, and USVI seeking affordable education options.
• Public Higher Education Institutions: Required to implement policy changes, affecting admissions, tuition structures, and federal funding eligibility.
• Federal Government: The Department of Education oversees enforcement; Congress addresses equity for territories.
• State Governments: Indirectly impacted through their public institutions' revenue and enrollment patterns.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Reinforces federal oversight of higher education funding under the Higher Education Act, ensuring compliance via aid conditions without creating new entitlements. "U.S. nationals" is a defined immigration term, avoiding ambiguity in eligibility.
• Constitutional: Aligns with equal protection principles by promoting fair access to education for U.S. nationals in territories, which have limited self-governance; no apparent conflicts with state authority over tuition, as it applies only to federally aided institutions.
• Political: Highlights ongoing efforts to address disparities between mainland states and territories, potentially setting a precedent for future equity measures in federal programs; passed the House in 2026 and referred to the Senate committee, indicating bipartisan interest in territorial issues.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large]

Cosponsors (5)

Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large], Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large], Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large], Del. Plaskett, Stacey E. [D-VI-At Large], Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24]

Recent Actions

• 2026-03-09: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
• 2026-03-04: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
• 2026-03-04: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 351 - 72 (Roll no. 82). (Roll call 82)
• 2026-03-04: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 351 - 72 (Roll no. 82). (Roll call 82)
• 2026-03-04: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2390-2391)
• 2026-03-03: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
• 2026-03-03: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6472.
• 2026-03-03: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2366-2367; text: CR H2366)
• 2026-03-03: Mr. Walberg moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
• 2026-02-11: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 421.
• 2026-02-11: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Workforce. H. Rept. 119-495.
• 2026-02-11: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Workforce. H. Rept. 119-495.
• 2025-12-11: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 32 - 1.
• 2025-12-11: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2025-12-04: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Bill Versions

• Territorial Student Access to Higher Education Act — issued 2026-03-04 — PDF (4 pages)
• To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for in-state tuition rates for certain residents of Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the United States Virgin Islands, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-12-04 — PDF (3 pages)
• Territorial Student Access to Higher Education Act — issued 2026-03-09 — PDF (3 pages)
• Territorial Student Access to Higher Education Act — issued 2026-02-11 — PDF (6 pages)