Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula Announces Historic Partnership with New Mexico Highlands University: In-State Tuition Now Available to American Samoa Students

PAGO PAGO, American Samoa — Governor Pulaali'i Nikolao Pula and Lt. Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae, Jr. announced on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 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 Families

Under 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."

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Removing Educational Access Barriers

American 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 Partnerships

Beyond immediate tuition benefits, the Joint Proclamation establishes a framework for deepening educational collaboration between New Mexico Highlands University and American Samoa through:

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• 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 success

A Partnership Built on Shared Values

Dr. 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 opportunities for students while strengthening the cultural, academic, and community connections between Highlands and American Samoa.”

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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 Samoa

The 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."

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A Living Testament to Partnership and Cooperation

The 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. Upcoming NMHU Events in American Samoa New Mexico Highlands University has scheduled two recruitment and partnership visits to American Samoa in January and February 2026:

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First Visit: January 20-22, 2026

The NMHU delegation, led by University President Dr. Neil Woolf, will visit American Samoa to meet with Governor Pula, Lieutenant Governor Ae Ae, and other key government and educational agencies. During this visit, NMHU will:

• Sign the Joint Proclamation with American Samoa Government leadership

• Meet with American Samoa Community College (ASCC) and the Department of Education (DOE)

• Host a Football Clinic for High School Juniors and Seniors on Wednesday, January 21 featuring Head Football Coach Kurt Taufa'asau and Defensive Line Coach Baker Pritchard.

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Second Visit: January 27 - February 2, 2026

A follow-up NMHU delegation will continue recruitment and partnership building with:

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• Visits to local high schools

• Financial Aid and Admissions Night providing information on tuition benefits, application process, and program options

• Women's Volleyball Clinic led by Head Coach Meg Grose, featuring student-athlete Heiress Palepoi.

Students are encouraged to attend the upcoming clinics, Financial Aid and Admissions Night, and high school visits during January 27 - February 2, 2026 to learn more about opportunities at NMHU and the in-state tuition benefit.

About New Mexico Highlands University

New Mexico Highlands University is a comprehensive public university located in Las Vegas, New Mexico, with a mission to expand educational access and foster student success across diverse communities. NMHU offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, education, arts and sciences, engineering, and professional studies. For more information, visit www.NMHU.edu

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