Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Higher Education Committee

HB 1739

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Summary of Bill

Requires the boards of trustees or regents at the public baccalaureates to set guidelines for the percentages of resident, nonresident, and foreign students enrolled at each institution.

Background:

Statute defines resident and nonresident students for tuition purposes. There are currently thirteen specific categories that allow an individual to receive resident tuition. Many of these categories require establishing domicile in Washington State and remaining in the state for some time after establishing domicile. There is also a definition of nonresident student that specifically excludes certain people from receiving resident tuition in Washington State. Foreign students are generally considered nonresidents and pay nonresident tuition rates.

Resident tuition rates are generally much lower than nonresident tuition rates. For example, at the University of Washington, an international or nonresident student pays $29,938 for 9 months of tuition and fees, and a resident student pays $12,383. At Washington State University during the current school year, undergraduate tuition for residents is $11,386, and foreigners or nonresidents pay $24,468.

House Bill 1795, which passed in 2011, included language that requires the University of Washington to enroll at least the same number of resident undergraduate freshman at the Seattle campus as enrolled during the 2009-10 academic year.

Summary of Bill:

The boards of regents or trustees at the University of Washington, Washington State University, Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, Western Washington University, and the Evergreen State College must each set guidelines for the percentages of resident, non-resident, and foreign students enrolled at each institution. The guidelines must be annually established by formal vote at regular meetings.