EFSC Offering In-State Tuition Rates to Students from Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands

Eastern Florida State College will waive out-of-state tuition rates for students from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands who are leaving their hurricane-ravaged homes and moving to Florida.

The islands were devastated by Hurricanes Maria and Irma with countless homes destroyed, the power grid leveled and millions struggling to obtain food and water.

About 320,000 Puerto Ricans live in Central Florida, and some officials are estimating as many as 100,000 may flee the island and settle with family and friends in the region.

“The suffering in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands is heartbreaking, and while we cannot rebuild their homes we can offer students a way to continue their education and help return their lives to normal,” said EFSC President Dr. Jim Richey.

“We want them to know our door is open and all of us at Eastern Florida are ready to help them anyway we can. That starts with waiving out-of-state tuition and offering lower in-state tuition instead.”

While many Puerto Ricans are bilingual, college officials say classes are available to help Spanish-speaking students learn English. Spanish-speaking staff also are available to assist newcomers.

Eastern Florida is among several colleges and universities in the state that are offering in-state tuition to relocated students from the islands.

Others include the University of Central Florida, Valencia College and Seminole State College in the Orlando area.

For more information, contact the Eastern Florida State College Admissions Office at (321) 433-7300 or visit the EFSC Admission's Office webpage.