With the recent devastation caused by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, SPC President Tonjua Williams has decided that the college will offer in-state tuition rates to displaced students from Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Houston area. Additionally, the college’s $40 application fee will be waived for these students.
In late September, Gov. Rick Scott asked all Florida state colleges and universities to offer in-state tuition to any student who was displaced from their home in Puerto Rico. St. Petersburg College has extended this offer to students in the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Houston area.
“As Floridians, we know all too well the pain and anxiety that a destructive hurricane can cause. Our hearts are with all of the storm victims,” said Williams. “At SPC, we are solution-oriented in helping students continue their education. Returning to class is a huge part of restoring a sense of normalcy and routine.”
Background
Harvey, Irma, and Maria were three big hurricanes in 2017. They are considered three of the five costliest hurricanes in U.S. history according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The storms brought widespread death and destruction to Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
In all, 2017’s hurricanes caused more than a quarter-trillion dollars in insured and uninsured losses, the National Hurricane Center reported.
That makes 2017 the costliest hurricane season in U.S. history, even topping the disastrous 2005 season, which included Rita and Wilma in addition to Katrina.
September was the true behemoth, the single most powerful month ever recorded in the Atlantic in terms of hurricane intensity.