Do you think that foreign students should be charged more for tuition than Americans here, in the USA?

Question

Here in Texas, and probably every other state in the Union, Community and State Colleges charge two or three different tuition rates, based on residency. In-county (for 3 tiers) residents pay the cheapest rates. In-state residents typically pay a mid-priced tuition (for 3 tiers) or the cheap tuition rate (for 2 tiers). Out-of-state and foreign students pay through the nose!

Typically, after 1 year living in state or in county, out-of-state students get to pay the cheaper local rates. However, in most cases, foreign students never get the cheaper rates, regardless of how long they live in the particular state.

Typically, the multi-tiered tuition depends on property taxes collected by the college district. Some colleges have dorms, but many foreign students live in apartments or rented houses or with extended relatives where property taxes are paid.

Consider also the currency exchange rates and some foreign students are US-sponsored.

Is this Fair? Unfair? Discrimination?

Many foreign students attending college here, in the USA, are living in apartments or rented houses. The owners of these apartments or rented houses pay property taxes. The tax money comes wholly or in part from the rent collected.

Also, some foreign students are sponsored by friends, distant relatives, or organizations here in the USA.

Also, foreign students are NOT tax exempt. Foreign students must pay sales tax in the stores, register and inspect their vehicles (for those who buy a vehicle here, even if it is a 15-year-old "cash" junker).

Also, banks don't lend student loans to foreigners without an American co-signer. Banks won't let their money just waltz out the door just like that!

Again, is it Fair, Unfair, or Discriminatory for Colleges (& Universities) to charge foreigners higher tuition?

Answer 1

I myself don't think that this is fair. I think everyone should be charged the same for tuition. Everyone's here for an education.

Answer 2

I believe international students should be charged a higher tuition rate. College/universities budgets depend on tax money. In state residents and in district residents have taxes that go to that institution. International students aren't paying those taxes, so should be charged the difference.

Answer 3

Yes, because the foreign students and their families have not paid into the tax base that helps to support those Universities. And very typically, after their education is over, they leave to return to their countries (and often default on any student loans they may have taken out along the way).

Answer 4

Actually, wherever you go in this world and to whatever country it is...the foreigner gets charged more tuition and criteria to meet is set higher than the local students.
To change this in America, one must change it for all countries.
Actually, Mexicans, from Mexico are the only ones getting free education in the United States at all levels and whether a citizen or not.
Other than that, only the rich can now afford to attend.

Answer 5

Definately fair.......if they make the decision to come here for college it is something they must bear. Our state universities are supported by taxes , as you say, and most often the foreign student lives on campus or local apt. and does not contripbute to the tax base.

Answer 6

Fair!