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Bill

HB 2156

Students from foreign countries; student exchange programs, tuition and fee waivers.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Betsy Carr

Virginia grants public universities discretionary authority to waive tuition and fees for foreign exchange and international students effective July 1, 2025.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0248)
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Bill Summary · HB 2156

Legislative bill overview

HB 2156 allows Virginia public universities to waive tuition and fees for foreign exchange students and international students participating in approved student exchange programs. The bill grants institutions discretionary authority to offer these waivers without requiring state funding or legislative appropriation.

Why is this important

Universities use tuition waivers as recruitment and diplomatic tools to attract talented international students and strengthen global partnerships. This bill removes restrictions that previously prevented Virginia institutions from competing with other states that offer similar incentives, potentially affecting enrollment, institutional revenues, and Virginia's international academic reputation.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact: Waiving tuition reduces direct institutional revenue, which may be passed to remaining students through higher fees or limit financial aid availability for Virginia residents
  • Equity concerns: Foreign exchange students receiving waivers may receive benefits unavailable to in-state or out-of-state American students with comparable financial need
  • Discretionary authority: Granting universities unrestricted waiver authority lacks transparency mechanisms or accountability requirements for how institutions justify these decisions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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