NMHU, American Samoa announce in-state tuition now available to American Samoa students
Las Vegas, NEW MEXICO — American Samoa Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula and Lt. Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae, Jr. recently announced a landmark educational partnership with New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU), culminating in a Joint Proclamation that grants in-state tuition classification to all legal residents of American Samoa pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees at NMHU, effective immediately.This historic agreement represents a significant advancement for American Samoa’s commitment to expanding educational opportunity and reducing financial barriers for students seeking quality higher education on the mainland United States.SUBSTANTIAL COST SAVINGS FOR AMERICAN SAMOA FAMILIESUnder the terms of the Joint Proclamation, American Samoan students enrolling at NMHU will automatically receive in-state tuition rates—a benefit that translates to substantial savings for families already facing geographic isolation and limited affordable higher education options within the territory.“This is a transformative opportunity for our young people,” said Governor Pula. “Education is the foundation of personal success and national progress. By securing in-state tuition at a respected American institution, we are demonstrating that geographic distance will not limit our students’ access to quality education. This partnership honors the strong academic presence and cultural contributions that American Samoa students have brought to NMHU’s campus.”REMOVING EDUCATIONAL ACCESS BARRIERSAmerican Samoa’s geographic isolation and policy distinctions have historically posed significant barriers to affordable higher education access on the mainland. This Joint Proclamation directly addresses that challenge by eliminating out-of-state tuition differentials that have traditionally placed mainland education beyond reach for many local families.The in-state tuition classification applies to both undergraduate and graduate programs, ensuring that American Samoan students at every academic level can pursue advanced degrees in fields including education, business, health sciences, technology, and liberal arts—all at substantially reduced cost.STRENGTHENING EDUCATIONAL PIPELINES AND PARTNERSHIPSBeyond immediate tuition benefits, the Joint Proclamation establishes a framework for deepening educational collaboration between New Mexico Highlands University and American Samoa through: Dual-enrollment initiatives connecting American Samoa Community College and local high schools with NMHU programs Recruitment and articulation agreements ensuring smooth academic pathways for students transitioning to four-year university programs Joint research collaborations in fields of mutual interest including indigenous knowledge systems, climate resilience, public health, education, and sustainable community development Academic exchanges fostering deeper understanding and cultural engagement between institutions Expanded student support services ensuring American Samoan students at NMHU receive cultural programming, academic advising, mentorship, and comprehensive support for student successA PARTNERSHIP BUILT ON SHARED VALUESDr. Neil Woolf, President of New Mexico Highlands University, affirmed the institution’s commitment: “New Mexico Highlands University is committed to expanding access to higher education for students from underserved and culturally rich communities. This agreement reflects our growing collaboration with the people of American Samoa and expands opportunity for students while strengthening the cultural, academic, and community connections between Highlands and American Samoa.”NMHU, founded in 1893, has a historic mission to expand access to quality higher education for students from underserved, rural, and culturally rich communities across the United States and its territories. This partnership aligns directly with that mission while addressing a critical need for American Samoa’s educational advancement.ECONOMIC AND HUMAN CAPITAL BENEFITS TO AMERICAN SAMOAThe Governor emphasized the broader benefits of this partnership: “By reducing the financial burden of higher education, we empower American Samoan families to invest in their children’s futures. Education strengthens individuals, families, and communities. Our students who earn degrees from NMHU return to American Samoa with enhanced skills and credentials, better equipped to lead in government, business, healthcare, education, and other critical sectors. This investment in our youth strengthens our territory.”PARTNERSHIP AND COOPERATIONThe Joint Proclamation stands as formal recognition of the enduring bonds between New Mexico Highlands University and the people of American Samoa—a commitment to educational opportunity, the transformative power of knowledge, and a shared vision where students from all regions are valued, supported, and empowered to lead.The Pula and Pulu administration will coordinate with the American Samoa Department of Education and American Samoa Community College to ensure seamless implementation of educational pipeline initiatives and to develop specific implementation agreements for collaborative research, academic exchanges, and student support services.(Source: New Mexico Highlands University)Section: Local NewsTags: in-state tuition
2026-02-05 17:00:36