Skip to Content
Springfield Technical Community College
Search
Menu
  • Opener Explore Programs & Classes
    • Credit
    • Degrees & Certificates
    • Register for Classes
    • Class Schedules
    • Course Descriptions
    • Flex Terms
    • Honors Program
    • Online Learning
    • Challenge Exams
    • Transfer Options
    • Non-Credit
    • Springfield Adult Learning Center (SALC)
    • HiSET/GED Exams
    • Testing & Placement
    • Workforce Development Center
    • More Programs
    • STEM Starter Academy
    • Early College
    • College Now Dual Enrollment
    • Gateway to College
    • Summer Youth Programs
  • Opener Apply To STCC
    • Admissions Policies
    • Information Sessions
  • Opener Pay for College
    • Financial Aid
    • College Costs
    • Scholarships & Awards
    • Free College
    • Financial Wellness
  • Opener Student Resources

    Student Support Quick Links


    • Academic
    • Tutoring
    • Registrar's Office
    • Request a Transcript
    • Academic Advising
    • Transfer Services
    • Library
    • Inter-college Access
    • Tech Support
    • Support
    • Career Services
    • Child Care
    • Disability Services
    • Domestic Violence Resources
    • Leadership/Mentoring
    • Student Affairs
    • Student Policies
    • TRIO Services
    • Veterans/Service Members
    • Wellness
    • Center for Access Services
    • COVID-19 Information
    • Health Compliance
    • Health & Wellness Center
    • Medical Re-entry Process
    • Mental Health Support and Resources
  • Opener Campus Life
    • Arts and Culture
    • Athletics
    • Bookstore
    • Campus Safety
    • Inclusion & Belonging
    • Fitness Center
    • Food Services
    • Housing
    • Parking and Transportation
    • Student Activities & Clubs
    • WTCC 90.7 FM
  • Opener About STCC
    • Accreditation
    • Board of Trustees
    • Shared Governance
    • Campus Map & Directions
    • Community Engagement
    • Contact Information/ Directories
    • Employment
    • Hispanic Serving Institution
    • History of the College
    • Institutional Research
    • Marketing & Communications
    • President's Message
    • Publications
    • Public Records
    • Purchasing/Bids
    • Strategic Planning
    • Student Consumer Information
  • eTools
    • STCCNet Portal
    • Email
    • Blackboard
    • ARIES

    • STCC Account/Getting Started
    • Reset Password
    • Tech Tutorials
  • Library
  • Visit
    • Visit STCC
    • Virtual Tour
    • Campus Map and Directions
    • Smoke-Free Campus
  • News
    • STCC News
    • Media Coverage
    • Campus Blog
    • STCC Around
    • Student News
  • Calendar
    • Academic Calendar
    • Final Exam Schedule
    • Events Calendar
    • Commencement
  • Alumni
  • Give
    • Donate Now
    • STCC Foundation
    • Ram Warrior Society
    • Past Campaigns
  • Translate
  • Home
  • /
  • About STCC
  • /
  • News
In this Section
About STCC
  • Accreditation
  • Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity, & Diversity
    • Policy
    • Complaints
    • Resources
  • Board of Trustees
    • Bylaws
    • Board of Trustees Meetings
    • Minutes of Board of Trustees Meetings
    • Alumni Trustee Position
  • Cabinet
  • Campus Map and Directions
  • Community Engagement
    • Community Dental Care
    • Facility Rentals
      • Event Request Form
    • Farmers' Market
    • STCC Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
    • We the Women
    • WTCC Radio
  • Contact STCC
  • Employee Directory
  • Faculty Directory
    • Endowed Chairs
  • Office Directory
  • Employment at STCC
    • STCC Cares: Employee Well-being Strategy
    • Employee Benefits
    • Internal Postings Job Availability Notice
    • Employee Excellence Awards
    • Retiree Community
    • Professional Development
    • Center for Online & Digital Learning
  • Hispanic Serving Institution
    • HSI Stories
  • History of the College
    • Our Presidents
    • Our Founders
    • Shays' Rebellion Website
  • Institutional Research
    • Data Request Form
  • Institutional Review Board
  • Marketing and Communications
    • Publications
      • College Catalogs
      • Course Brochures
      • Dean's List
      • STCC Student Success Plan
  • News
    • Hometown News
    • Media Coverage
    • STCC Around
    • Student News
      • Merit
        • STCC Merit Page
        • Share Your Story
  • President's Message
  • Public Records
    • Guidelines for Seeking Public Records
  • Purchasing
    • Accounts Payable
    • Facility Contractor Bids
  • Rankings
  • Shared Governance
  • STCC Assistance Corporation
  • Strategic Planning
    • Strategic Planning Task Force
  • Student Consumer Information
  • 29 Who Shine

STCC offers in-state tuition to hurricane evacuees from Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands

December 14, 2017

Officials gather after evacuee press conferenceFrom left to right, state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez of Springfield; Waleska Lugo-DeJesús, director of the Healing Racism Institute of the Pioneer Valley; state Rep. Jose Tosado of Springfield; Lidya Rivera, STCC Director of Community Engagement; Massachusetts Higher Education Commissioner Carlos E. Santiago; Holyoke Community College President Christina Royal; and STCC President John B. Cook.

The Massachusetts Board of Higher Education (BHE) voted Dec. 12 to grant in-state tuition rates to evacuees from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands who have been displaced by Hurricane Maria. With the Dec. 12 vote, the state community colleges, state universities and the University of Massachusetts campuses will offer in-state tuition rates immediately through spring semester 2018.
 
“Hurricane Maria left a devastating impact on the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, causing major disruptions for students and families who have relocated to Massachusetts,” Governor Charlie Baker said.  “Our administration is working collaboratively to provide critical resources and opportunities for our fellow Americans from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands during this difficult time, and I am pleased the board approved this important opportunity to provide in-state tuition to make education more affordable for these students.”
 
To qualify for in-state tuition rates, students must provide documentation of their displacement and meet all the admission and transfer requirements of a public higher education institution.  Although students will be still required to pay fees and other education-related expenses, the savings differential – in-state versus out-of-state - can be significant.
 
For example, an evacuee enrolling at Springfield Technical Community College, would save more than $5,000 a year by paying in-state rates. While students will continue to remain eligible to participate in federal financial aid, they will not be immediately eligible for state financial assistance.

"We want newcomers from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to know that we welcome them and our door is wide open with unique, career-ready programs," STCC President John B. Cook said at a news briefing held at the college on Dec. 13.

STCC President John B. Cook talks to a reporter during a news briefing at STCC.

Read the MassLive story

“Granting in-state tuition rates to students relocating temporarily to Massachusetts because of the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria is an important part of what the Commonwealth is doing to help people from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands,” Education Secretary James Peyser said.
 
“While we expect the number of students who take advantage of the resident tuition rates to be modest, the Board’s vote today helps ensure that any student who wants to continue with his or her education here will find it easier to do so,” said Massachusetts Commissioner of Higher Education Carlos E. Santiago, who is a native of Puerto Rico. “Our goal is to make sure that no one’s college dreams are derailed by the roar of a hurricane.”

Massachusetts Commissioner of Higher Education Carlos E. Santiago speaks during a news briefing at STCC.

“I’m very proud of the Board for taking action today to assist student evacuees,” said Chris Gabrieli, Chairman of the Board of Higher Education. “This is a gesture that aligns with the Baker-Polito Administration’s plans to request financial assistance for local school districts that are receiving an influx of evacuees. We are helping those who have been uprooted from their communities and need support as they begin to recover from significant losses.”

Puerto Rican students displaced by Hurricane Maria in September speak during a news briefing at STCC.

In November, Governor Baker announced plans to request additional school funding to help local school districts pay for the education of children who have been evacuated. The number of evacuees fleeing the impact of Hurricane Maria has increased in recent weeks, and additional families are expected to arrive after the holidays.
 
This is not the first time Massachusetts extended relief and humanitarian aid to students and families impacted by federally declared disasters. Students displaced by Hurricane Katrina were offered in-state tuition waivers in 2005-2006. The BHE also approved a 2001 tuition waiver for spouses and dependents of victims of the September 11th attacks.

The BHE motion and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document can be found at www.mass.edu.

To apply at STCC call (413) 755-3333 or visit www.stcc.edu/apply.

  • See All News

Website Disclaimer

Springfield Technical Community College provides the information herein as a public service, with the understanding that Springfield Technical Community College strives to achieve the highest standards in content accuracy on its Website. Springfield Technical Community College makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information and expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions in the contents of this Website. Errors or omissions should be reported to the web developer: webmaster@stcc.edu. Visitors to our Web pages might see links to Internet resources outside of the Springfield Technical Community College Website: all are provided solely for the convenience of our Website visitors. By providing such links, Springfield Technical Community College should not be considered as endorsing any or all outside sites linked from our main site. When a visitor links to another site that is not an official Springfield Technical Community College Website, the user is no longer on a Springfield Technical Community College Website and thus, Springfield Technical Community College disclaims any responsibility or liability for the services or information offered at such non-college sites. At all times, Springfield Technical Community College makes every effort to accurately present programs and policies to the public. Those responsible for preparation of the catalog, the class schedule, and all other public announcements make every effort to ensure that the information presented is current and correct. However, Springfield Technical Community College reserves the right to modify or eliminate courses or programs and to add, amend, or repeal any and all rules, regulations, policies, and procedures at any time. Springfield Technical Community College assumes no responsibility for publication errors beyond its control. All users of the College's Website shall have no expectation of privacy over such use.

Springfield Technical Community College
One Armory Square,
Springfield, MA 01105
(413) 781-7822
.
  • Contact
  • Employment
  • Disclaimer
  • Sitemap
  • Campus Map & Directions
  • Affirmative Action & Title IX
  • Student Consumer Information
  • Accessibility
Comwealth Commitment Logo
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram