THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 15, 1996 TAG: 9609120011
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 29 lines
Military families with dependents who are considering going to college, already in college or who have not been able to go to school because of excess fees:
House Bill 429, sponsored by Del. Phil Hamilton, would make it possible for military dependents to pay in-state tuition rates. Various colleges and universities in our area have supported this legislation, especially since it gives the school the discretion to charge in-state rates.
As the law stands now, non-resident military dependents are charged at a much higher rate. For example, Thomas Nelson Community College charges Virginia residents $46.65 per credit hour. Because I was a non-resident I have to pay $156 per credit hour.
Military families don't expect to get a free ride but a reasonable tuition rate doesn't seem outrageous. Paying a surcharge of 10 percent and 20 percent above the in-state tuition rate would be reasonable. Paying almost four times is unfair and overly burdensome.
I urge anyone in favor of offering the in-state tuition rate to military dependents to contact their local legislature. This bill could be decided before the General Assembly meets in January.
PEGGY KING
Williamsburg, Aug. 30, 1996 by CNB