MISSOULA – Leaders of the Montana University System say a proposal to tighten up rules governing tuition rates for out-of-state students is not only an effort to clarify those requirements but to ensure resident students have an opportunity to learn.
Current policies require out-of-state students to live in Montana for a year, showing proof like a driver’s license, voter registration or that they own a home.
But under the rules being discussed by the Montana Board of Regents during their meeting in Missoula this week, students from outside the state would also have to show tax returns and relinquish residency in another state.
The idea is to make sure policies are applied fairly, just as done in other states.
“And really, this policy change is to strengthen and clarify the policy so that it’s intended purpose is honored,” explained Montana Board of Regents Chair Fran Albrecht. “And that is our taxpayer dollars that are going to ensure that our Montana students have the affordable access to that tuition rate.”
The Board of Regents is also looking at improved ways to provide higher education opportunities to the 44% of Montana high school graduates who haven’t been going to college.
