The Senate passed a bill Thursday that would drastically lower tuition at state schools for students who qualify and some local members of the Hispanic community say it would open new doors for many students.

Yadi Acosta emigrated from Mexico when she was 12 and graduated from North High. She then went to WSU.

But since the school classified her as an international student, high tuition forced her to drop out.

However, a bill in the Kansas general assembly could keep others from suffering the same fate.

The proposal allows qualified immigrants to go to state schools and pay the same tuition rates as Kansas residents. It is something local Hispanic leaders say is necessary to motivate Latino students.

Right now, Kansas residents pay about $2,778 in tuition for two semesters at WSU. International students pay $8,775.

That means the bill could save students who qualify about $6,000 a year.

Meanwhile, Yadi is already saving for her daughter's college education. But she hopes the state won't let this opportunity for others roll away.