An Act providing access to higher education for high school graduates in the Commonwealth

This bill expands eligibility for in-state tuition rates and state financial aid at Massachusetts public colleges and universities to high school graduates who have attended and graduated from a local high school for at least three years, regardless of their immigration status. It specifically excludes nonimmigrant aliens on certain federal visa categories and the University of Massachusetts Medical School and School of Law from these provisions. To qualify, eligible students must provide proof of their social security or taxpayer identification number, documentation of selective service registration if applicable, and an affidavit stating their intent to apply for citizenship or legal permanent residence within 120 days. The legislation clarifies that these students cannot be denied in-state benefits based on their eligibility under this new rule.