What is Tuition Break?

The University of Vermont was on the top of my list of preferred universities, but it was also significantly more expensive than the Massachusetts state university where I also had been accepted. Although a degree in Russian was not offered in-state, the cost difference was too great until I realized I was eligible for the RSP Tuition Break. The RSP Tuition Break gave me the ability to pursue the degree and future that I wanted. I graduated from UVM and went on to become a Fulbright ETA in Russia, the country that I had hoped my degree would one day take me to.

I knew that I wanted to attend the University of Connecticut and earn a degree that would allow me to pursue a career in the international realm. The Latin American Studies program at UConn allowed me that opportunity. Without the RSP Tuition Break, I would not have been able to afford the cost of this education without a large amount of debt. After graduating with about $20,000 in student loans, I was able to pay off 25% through my AmeriCorps Alumni Educational Stipend. These two programs allowed me to pay off my student loans in under 10 years.

NEBHE provides outstanding academic opportunities for students. Since fall 2016, more than 1,070 undergraduate and graduate students have been admitted into a NEBHE-eligible program and attended UMaine, receiving the tuition break during their admission term to cost-effectively achieve their educational aspirations.

I knew that I wanted to attend the University of Connecticut and earn a degree that would allow me to pursue a career in the international realm. The Latin American Studies program at UConn allowed me that opportunity. Without the RSP Tuition Break, I would not have been able to afford the cost of this education without a large amount of debt. After graduating with about $20,000 in student loans, I was able to pay off 25% through my AmeriCorps Alumni Educational Stipend. These two programs allowed me to pay off my student loans in under 10 years.

The RSP Tuition Break allowed me to major in Russian and minor in History without being forced to choose a more expensive private institution. The savings provided by the program lowered my debt load and enabled me to put my language skills into practice by seeking work abroad after graduation. I’m very grateful for the RSP Tuition Break and the role it’s played in my academic and professional growth.

NEBHE’s Tuition Break is available to eligible students during every year of their journey towards a Pharm.D. degree. The cost savings over the course of the six-year Pharm.D. program is significant and helps ease the financial commitment that goes along with earning a professional degree and becoming a licensed, practicing pharmacist. We are fortunate to be able to offer this program to eligible New England students.

The New England Board of Higher Education’s Regional Student Program (RSP) Tuition Break has afforded many students from neighboring states the ability to obtain a top-notch degree in their chosen fields of study. We are proud to participate in this program and thrilled to share this opportunity with our students as it helps us put the world in their hands.

The Regional Student Program (RSP), Tuition Break, supports Eastern in its commitment to provide a quality education that is accessible and affordable. The program encourages students to explore colleges they may not have otherwise considered due to financial barriers. Our RSP students can take advantage of Eastern’s unique applied learning opportunities and know that they do not have the burden of paying out-of-state tuition.

In 2007 I said, “It was a big help and definitely made it affordable to attend college out of state. Had it not been for the tuition break I likely would have selected a different major and attended a less expensive college in my home state, which would have drastically changed my life.” I stand by those words today — 12 years after graduating with a bachelor’s in Creative Writing. I remain grateful that I had the opportunity to start down a path, thanks to the RSP Tuition Break, that would lead me toward a career in journalism.

The Regional Student program is a great advising tool in the college researching process.

The RSP Tuition Break allowed me to major in Russian and minor in History without being forced to choose a more expensive private institution. The savings provided by the program lowered my debt load and enabled me to put my language skills into practice by seeking work abroad after graduation. I’m very grateful for the RSP Tuition Break and the role it’s played in my academic and professional growth.