Menu
Published February 13, 2018
Is your student planning to study in a specialized field, but you’re concerned about the cost? In some cases, in-state schools don’t offer the specialty your child is interested in.
Out-of-state tuition can be more than twice as much as in-state, which may cause your student to rethink their major.
The good news is that your family may be able to secure in-state tuition anyway, through the Academic Common Market.
If the program your student wants to enter isn’t available in-state, you may be able to use the Southern Regional Education Board’s (SREB) Academic Common Market.
This market allows those in 15 states to attend a participating school in a specific program, while paying only in-state rates.
To qualify, you must:
Florida and Texas only participate at the graduate school level. Not every public school in the 15 states participate, but many do. There are over 1,900 programs available.
Alabama
Arkansas
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Mississippi
Oklahoma
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
West Virginia
The Academic Common Market is not competitive or merit-based. As long as your student is fully admitted to the participating school and program, they can be certified and have their tuition adjusted.
The purpose of the Academic Common Market is to allow schools to avoid duplicating each other’s programs. It also encourages schools to develop excellence in specific areas, because they don’t have to spend resources to have strong programs in every field.
Specific ACM-participating schools may have their own requirements, such as specific GPA standards or required full-time enrollment.
If you live in one of the 15 participating states, take a look at the participating programs. If your student is interested in majoring in those areas, they can gain in-state tuition to that school.
Keep in mind your student will lose the ACM benefits if they change majors to a non-participating program.
If your child decides to change majors, it may be best for them to transfer to an in-state school to save money on tuition and fees.
Connect With Other Parents Trying To Figure Out
How To Pay For College
JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP –
Dear Roadie, My excellent, motivated student wouldn’t let me anywhere near the application process. He insisted he had it handled,...
Students and families need to stay on track to find the right college at the right price, so we’re providing...
As colleges wrap up their acceptances and denials for the next fall, many students are receiving deferrals that grant them...
At Road2College you’ll find everything you need to make the admissions and paying for college process less stressful and more transparent.
Explore R2C Insights™ — your source for finding affordable colleges and merit scholarships.
Get coaching on admissions and college financing.
Join Road2College where parents and experts work together to inform and inspire college-bound families.
By Grade:
By Stage in the Process:
Ad Policy Disclaimer: Product name, logo, brands, and other trademarks featured or referred to within Road2College are the property of their respective trademark holders. Information obtained via Road2College™ is for educational purposes only. Please consult a licensed financial professional before making any financial decisions. This site may be compensated through third party advertisers. This site is not endorsed or affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education. By visiting Road2College’s site, you accept and agree to be bound by Road2College’s Terms of Use.
