The Latino Policy Institute at Roger Williams University examines in-state college tuition for non-citizens; reports decrease in high school dropout rates, increase in college enrollment for non-citizens
PROVIDENCE, R.I., May 18, 2011 – States across the nation continue to debate whether to grant in-state college tuition rates for non-citizen, long-term residents. Today during a news conference at the Rhode Island State House, the Latino Policy Institute at Roger Williams University revealed findings from its report analyzing the effects of in-state college tuition for non-citizens in states implementing such legislation. “The Effects of In-State Tuition for Non-Citizens: A Systematic Review of the Evidence” is the first rigorous systematic review of original research on in-state tuition legislation and the first to apply such research in a way that predicts the potential impact of in-state tuition on the state of Rhode Island. Key findings of the report include:   • In-state tuition is significantly correlated with a 31% increase in non-citizen enrollment rates at institutes of higher education. • In-state tuition is significantly correlated with a 14% decrease in non-citizen high school dropout rates. • Empirical evidence confirms that two previously published reports produced by anti-immigration groups on in-state legislation used biased calculations that make several incorrect conclusions on the alleged costs of such legislation. According to the report, in-state tuition legislation in Rhode Island could result in 24 more non-citizen, long-term residents attending college at R.I. public universities each year. Using current tuition rates the report finds these students would contribute over $162,000 in revenue over instructional expenses per year. The report also finds that in-state tuition legislation could result in 71 more non-citizen high school graduates in Rhode Island per year. “Historically, debates around in-state tuition legislation have centered on emotional decisions rather than comprehensive analysis,” said Kimberly Mehlman-Orozco, director of the Latino Policy Institute at Roger Williams University. “Providing citizens the opportunity to make more informed decisions results in better evidence-based policies. This is the first report that systematically reviews the evidence on the effects of in-state tuition and we hope will encourage further research in this area.”      The full report is available online at: http://www.rwu.edu/depository/lpi/lpi-report.pdf. As a follow up to this study, the Latino Policy Institute at Roger Williams University is planning to conduct a longitudinal study on the long-term economic effects of in-state tuition. ###