The Justitia Institute Examines The Effects Of In-state Tuition Legislation For Non-citizens In Maryland

Online, August 8, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Maryland voters continue to debate whether to grant in-state
college tuition rates for non-citizen, Maryland residents. Today, The Justitia Institute revealed findings from its report analyzing the effects of in-state college tuition for non-citizens in Maryland.

"The Effects of In-State Tuition for Non-Citizens: A Case Study of Maryland" is the first study to apply systematic review evidence in a way that predicts the potential impact of in-state tuition on the
state of Maryland.

Key findings of the report include:

• In-state tuition legislation would be significantly correlated with a 31% increase in non-citizen enrollment rates at institutes of higher education in Maryland.

• In-state tuition legislation would be significantly correlated with a 14% decrease in non-citizen high school dropout rates in Maryland.

• Preliminary economic analysis suggests that although in-state tuition legislation in Maryland could result in a loss of profit for institutes of higher education, it could lead to a long-term
benefit for the state. However, more research in this area is needed.

According to the report, in-state tuition legislation in Maryland could result 237 more non-citizens attending University of Maryland College Park per year and 173 more non-citizens attending Prince
George's Community College. Using current tuition rates the report finds these students could result in a short-term loss of $1.3 million per year at University of Maryland College Park and $119k per year at Prince George's Community College. The report also finds that in-state tuition legislation could result in 196 more high school graduates in Maryland per year.

"Historically, debates around in-state tuition legislation have centered on emotional decisions rather than comprehensive analysis," said Dr. Kimberly Mehlman-Orozco, Executive Director of The Justitia Institute. "Since the Maryland in-state tuition legislation is up for referendum vote on November 6th, it is essential to provide citizens the opportunity to make more informed decisions. In turn, this should result in better evidence-based policies. In addition to providing much needed
evidence to inform the in-state tuition discourse in Maryland, this report highlights gaps in the literature-namely the lack of empirical research on the financial effects."

The full report will available online on August 9, 2012 at: www.justitiainstitute.org

As a follow up to this study, The Justitia Institute is soliciting partners needed to conduct research on the economic effects of in-state tuition in implementing jurisdictions.