Marietta Daily Journal
Letter to the editor

Legal KSU students pay price for heeding law
June 11, 2010

DEAR EDITOR:

I was a Kennesaw State University student and graduated in December 2005. At the time I was not a permanent resident. I was a legal resident of Georgia for over 12 months before I signed up for my first course. I was charged out-of-state tuition. I was also told by the Office of Registrar that I was not eligible for financial aid. I was always under impression that all non-US citizens are charged out-of-state fees even though you have been a resident (in my case, legal) of Georgia for over 12 months.

After hearing all the news about Jessica Colotl, I am quite angry. Not because I was charged higher tuition, but because an illegal alien was given government benefits and I was not. Why? For following the law? I am sure I am not the only one here. Maybe other U.S. citizens (non-Georgia residents) were charged more than Ms. Colotl (and many such illegals). To all those who stress that we need bright people like Ms. Colotl, let me stress that I got 3.9 GPA. I am still less “important” than illegals here.

I have asked the Kennesaw State University’s Registrars office and the Board of Regents office for an explanation.

Now after four-plus years, it all seems old, but I am still upset that you get penalized for following the law, and get preferential treatment for ignoring it.

Radhika Tulpule
Marietta

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