Gladys Cuin graduated from New Bedford High School in 2022 and her dream was to continue her studies at a university. Although the Guatemalan immigrant applied and was accepted, she was unable to attend due to lack of a Social Security number.
But thanks to the “High School Completers” Tuition Equity Law that took effect last summer, Cuin’s desire is rekindled.
“It is a very great joy for me,” said Cuin, who arrived in the country in 2019. “It is as if all the dreams I had after graduating, all the things I wanted to do, came back and now with more determination.”
The law allows certain students who are not U.S. citizens, including undocumented students, the opportunity to receive in-state tuition rates at 19 community colleges in Massachusetts, including Bristol Community College, if they meet requirements.
At BCC, there is a wide range of career options and the possibility of applying earned credits to a four-year university.
Alaina Marcotte, director of financial aid at BCC, said that the only requirement for student admission is to have completed high school in Massachusetts. “If you finished high school in Massachusetts, you do not need to indicate your immigration status,” said Marcotte.
She said that tuition at BCC ranges from $3,000 for full-time students to $1,500 for part-time students. “We have payment plans, and they do not accrue interest,” she said.
Kate O’Hara, vice president of student services and enrollment management at BCC, explained: “We have a great career services team. People who can sit down and help others with what they want to do, what they’re interested in, and what jobs are available. And most importantly, what are the job offers? How much money can they potentially earn?”
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