A court’s ruling that the university system was unconstitutional in its determination of out-of-state residence for some students could mean relief for those who find themselves paying almost three times as much as their in-state counterparts to attend this university. The court’s ruling comes at a time when many students are seeking relief from rising tuition, making it a decision that will be welcomed warmly.
As tuition has increased repeatedly and significantly over the past few years, out-of-state students have delt with a cost that has become a significant burden. Out-of-state tuition is currently $20,145 compared to $7,821 for in-state students. As a state flagship institution, the university has a significant responsibility to be more accessible for state residents. But as the university continues to push recruitment from other areas of the country such as New York, the court’s ruling could make this university a more appealing and logical option for out-of-towners.
Though some students come to this university without any intention of planting roots in the area, many move to the campus and settle into jobs, community activities and social lives based in the area. They may vote in College Park elections and pay rent to local landlords. For all intents and purposes, they become a state resident when they choose to come to school here.
The court’s ruling helps tackle the problem of the university system relying too heavily on tuition increases for income. While the system is stuck relying on students more heavily when there are cuts in state funding, decreasing the amount they can depend on out-of-state tuition for income should push it to more swiftly solve one of the university’s pitfalls – comparatively low levels of private fundraising. The state’s decision sets a welcome legal precedent for ensuring student access to the university system as higher education becomes increasingly expensive.
