All 78 public colleges and universities in New England participate in the RSP. Together, these two-year and four-year higher education institutions offer more than 700 academic programs at reduced tuition to out-of-state New England residents. Programs are available through the RSP at all academic levels: associate, bachelor's, master's, certificate of advanced graduate study, master's, doctoral and first-professional. The majors are approved each year by the participating institutions.

The RSP tuition rate reflects a significant break on a college's out-of-state tuition rate. (RSP tuition is usually 150 percent of the college's in-state tuition.)

The seven students from Senate District 8 saved a combined total of $40,167 through this program, according to the New England Board of Higher Education. "The financial savings make it easier for our young people to pursue educational choices not offered by Maine's public institutions," said Davis. "Every opportunity we can help arrange for our young people is a benefit to Maine."

In Academic year 2000-2001, Maine public colleges and universities enrolled 463 RSP students from New England states. That is a total of $2.7 million in tuition revenue for the State of Maine.

Information about the program can be obtained from Public Education Institutions, from New England Board of Higher Education (617) 357-9620, or by contacting Senator Davis' office in Augusta at 287-1505.