FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Lynette Robinson
September 5, 2005 (617) 994-6946

Massachusetts Board of Higher Education Waives Tuition for Students Displaced by Katrina

BOSTON: Undergraduate students displaced from attending colleges and universities due to Hurricane Katrina will be able to attend public colleges and universities in Massachusetts tuition-free this fall. The Board approved the waiving of tuition Tuesday afternoon. In addition, many campuses have offered to expedite admission, waive fees, help secure student housing where possible and begun fundraising activities.

Students unable to attend an institution due to the effects of Hurricane Katrina will have only to verify that they were admitted to or enrolled in an institution of higher education for fall semester, 2005, to receive the waiver.

Working with presidents of both public and independent colleges throughout the Commonwealth, the Board will provide current information about higher educational opportunities in Massachusetts as well as links to national sites offering guidance on financial aid, admission, and other services on its website http://www.mass.edu/Katrina.

In making this announcement, Chairman of the Board Stephen P. Tocco, said that “the higher education community is committed to doing whatever possible to provide continuity and support for students and their families to minimize the disruption and suffering caused by Katrina.” The Board passed a similar waiver in September 2001 for the children and spouses of victims of the tragedy on September 11.

Details of the Tuition Waiver Program