In-state tuition programs expanded

Payment break for students removed by hurricane

HARTFORD — College students from Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands displaced by Hurricane Maria can get the in-state tuition price to enroll in Connecticut State Colleges and Universities.

The Board of Regents that oversees the 17-campus system unanimously approved the plan Thursday.

It agreed to extend a program to offer in-state tuition to New York residents wanting to attend Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.

This fall, there was a pilot program that covered seven New York counties, attracting 243 students. It now will extend to all of New York and New Jersey.

The tuition break for students attending the University of Puerto Rico and University of the Virgin Islands extends until those schools are rebuilt and repaired.

Officials are uncertain how many students will take advantage of the offer but expect there will

be several given the high number of Connecticut residents from those islands, particularly Puerto Rico.

The plan was applauded Thursday by Ingrid Alvarez, Connecticut director of the Hispanic Federation.

“Puerto Rico specifically finds itself in dire straits,” she said.

Between the hurricane, the island’s debts and a massive cut in services, Alvarez said she expects a mass exodus from the island.

She said the tuition plan will enable students to continue their education, achieve their goals and help the economy.

“We need these students as much as they need us right now,” she said.

Calixto Torres, director of the Puerto Rican forum at the Center for Latino Progress called it a “winwin.”

“These are excellent students,” he said.

“Puerto Rico specifically finds itself in dire straits. ... We need these students as much as they need us right now.”

Ingrid Alvarez, Connecticut director of the Hispanic Federation

Linda Conner Lambeck / Hearst Connecticut Media The Connecticut Board of Regents meets on Thursday in Hartford.