How does New England regional tuition work?

I came across this term called 'New England Regional Tuition' in my college research. Can someone please explain what it is and how it works? Like, if it provides any tuition benefits for students from New England?

New England Regional Tuition, also known as the Tuition Break program or the Regional Student Program (RSP), is a program provided by the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE). The goal of this program is to facilitate access to affordable higher education opportunities for students from the New England region (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont). It does this by offering reduced out-of-state tuition rates to eligible students attending participating public colleges and universities within the New England region.

The way it works is relatively simple. If you're a resident of a New England state and enroll in an approved major or program at a participating institution in another New England state, you'll be eligible for the reduced tuition rate. The approved majors and programs vary by state and institution. Generally, the Tuition Break is available for programs that are not available in your home state or are in high demand.

To be eligible, you must be a permanent legal resident of one of the six New England states. You'll need to apply and be accepted to a participating college or university and declare a major that is approved for the Tuition Break program by both your home state and the host institution. It's important to note that the approval process and administration of the program are handled by the individual schools themselves, so it's a good idea to reach out to the admissions office or financial aid office at the school you're considering to learn about their specific processes and deadlines.

In terms of tuition benefits, the program can result in substantial savings. The exact savings will depend on the specific school and program, but generally, the participating students pay a tuition rate that is significantly less than the regular out-of-state rate. The reduced RSP tuition rate varies but is usually between in-state tuition and out-of-state tuition rates.

In summary, the New England Regional Tuition (Tuition Break) program is a valuable opportunity for students from New England states to access affordable higher education options in neighboring states. Make sure to research the eligibility criteria, participating institutions, and approved programs to take full advantage of the benefits this program offers.