Sen. Alan Olsen proposes in-state tuition for veterans

Salem, OR – Senator Alan Olsen (R-Canby), with a bi-partisan coalition of Senators and Representatives, has introduced legislation that would give any veteran access to the cheaper, in-state tuition rate at Oregon public universities. Senate Bill 820 is waiting for referral to a committee from the Senate President.

“Veterans leave the service and in this troubled economy often have difficulty finding work or getting re-trained for the civilian workforce,” said Olsen. “Access to a college education that is a little bit more affordable is a practical way to help them get back in the workforce. It is a small way to express the appreciation we feel for all that they do.”

Annual out-of-state tuition at the University of Oregon is $28,660. In-state tuition costs the student $9,310. Olsen’s bill would allow any veteran who has been honorably discharged to attend an Oregon public university at the in-state tuition rate.

“A college education can be an important doorway to opportunity and prosperity,” said Olsen. “I don’t care where they are from, veterans have earned the right to an affordable higher education.”

Sen. Olsen is a veteran of the United States Army, serving from 1969 to 1971.