Pursuing higher education in the Midwest brings unique challenges and opportunities, especially when your home state lacks certain academic programs. The Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP), also known as the Midwest Exchange, steps in as a solution. It offers an innovative way to access educational programs across state lines, often at significantly reduced costs.
What is the Midwest Student Exchange?
The MSEP is a collaborative initiative among eight Midwestern states and 70 colleges, designed to broaden educational opportunities for students. By participating in this program, students gain access to a wider range of academic courses and institutions outside their home state, often with considerable tuition savings.
The eight participating states are:
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Wisconsin
Note that Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, and South Dakota do not currently participate in the program.
Benefits of Participating in MSEP
MSEP students enjoy an average annual tuition savings of $7,000, according to the MSEP website. Public institutions participating in the program charge out-of-state students no more than 150% of their in-state tuition rates. Private institutions offer a 10% reduction in their standard tuition fees.
Midwest Exchange Eligibility Criteria for Students
To qualify for MSEP benefits, students must be residents of the participating states and meet the specific admission requirements set by the chosen institution.
How the Midwest Student Exchange Program Works
- Tuition Rates and Discounts:
The MSEP sets a ceiling on tuition fees for public institutions and secures a minimum discount rate for private institutions. This approach offers a more predictable and affordable cost structure for out-of-state education.
- Academic Program Coverage:
The program covers a diverse array of academic programs, but not all programs at every institution participate. Students should verify the availability of their desired program under the MSEP at their chosen school.
The 70 Colleges Participating in the Midwest Exchange
The MSEP colleges encompass a wide range of school sizes and academic programs. They range from small community colleges to large Big 10 schools like Purdue, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
| Participating Colleges and Links to Contacts | State | Degree Level |
|---|---|---|
| Ball State University | Indiana | Baccalaureate, Doctorate, Master's |
| Bismark State College | North Dakota | Associate, Baccalaureate, Certificate |
| Central Community College - Columbus, Grand Island, Hastings, and Kearney, | Nebraska | Associate |
| Dakota College at Bottineau | North Dakota | - |
| Dickinson State University | North Dakota | Associate, Baccalaureate, Certificate, Master's, Post-Degree Certificate |
| Disckinson State University | Missouri | Associate |
| Disckinson State University | Kansas | Baccalaureate, Certificate, Doctorate, Master's |
| Fort Hays State University | Kansas | Baccalaureate |
| Friends University (private) | Kansas | Baccalaureate, Master's |
| Harris-Stowe State University | Missouri | Baccalaureate, Certificate |
| Indiana State University | Indiana | Baccalaureate, Master's |
| Indiana University East | Indiana | Baccalaureate |
| Indiana University Fort Wayne | Indiana | Baccalaureate, Certificate |
| Indiana University Kokomo | Indiana | Baccalaureate, Master's |
| Indiana University Northwest | Indiana | Associate, Baccalaureate, Master's |
| Indiana University Purdue University Columbus | Indiana | Baccalaureate |
| Indiana University South Bend | Indiana | Baccalaureate, Master's |
| Indiana University Southeast | Indiana | Baccalaureate, Certificate, Master's, Post-Degree Certificate |
| IUPUI (Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis) | Indiana | Associate, Baccalaureate, Certificate, Doctorate, Master's |
| Ivy Tech Community College | Indiana | Associate |
| Lake Region State College | North Dakota | Associate |
| Mayville State University | North Dakota | Associate, Baccalaureate |
| Metropolitan Community College | Missouri | Associate, Certificate |
| Minnesota State University - Mankato | Minnesota | Associate, Baccalaureate, Certificate, Doctorate, Master's, Post-Degree Certificate |
| Minnesota State University - Moorhead | Minnesota | Baccalaureate, Certificate, Doctorate, Master's, Post-Degree Certificate |
| Minot State University | North Dakota | - |
| Missouri Southern State University | Missouri | Associate, Baccalaureate, Certificate, Master's |
| Missouri State University | Missouri | Baccalaureate, Master's, Post-Degree Certificate |
| Missouri State University - West Plains | Missouri | Associate, Baccalaureate |
| Missouri Valley College (private) | Missouri | Associate, Baccalaureate, Certificate, Master's |
| Missouri Western State University | Missouri | Associate, Baccalaureate, Certificate, Master's |
| North Dakota State University | North Dakota | Baccalaureate, Doctorate, Master's, Post-Degree Certificate |
| Northwest Missouri State University | Missouri | Baccalaureate, Master's |
| Purdue University - Fort Wayne | Indiana | Associate, Baccalaureate, Certificate |
| Saint Louis University (private) | Missouri | Associate, Certificate, Doctorate, Master's, Post-Degree Certificate |
| St. Charles Community College | Missouri | Associate |
| St. Cloud State University | Minnesota | Baccalaureate, Certificate, Master's, Post-Degree Certificate |
| St. Louis Community College | Missouri | Associate, Certificate |
| State Fair Community College | Missouri | Associate, Certificate |
| Truman State University | Missouri | Baccalaureate, Master's |
| University of Central Missouri | Missouri | Baccalaureate |
| University of Kansas | Kansas | Baccalaureate |
| University of Minnesota - Morris | Minnesota | Baccalaureate |
| University of Minnesota - Duluth | Minnesota | Baccalaureate |
| University of Missouri - Kansas City | Missouri | Baccalaureate, Doctorate, Master's, Post-Degree Certificate |
| University of Missouri - Saint Louis | Missouri | Baccalaureate, Doctorate, Master's, Post-Degree Certificate |
| University of Nebraska at Kearney | Nebraska | Baccalaureate, Master's |
| University of Nebraska at Lincoln | Nebraska | Baccalaureate, Master's |
| University of Nebraska at Omaha | Nebraska | Baccalaureate, Doctorate, Master's |
| University of Nebraska Medical Center | Nebraska | Certificate, Doctorate, Master's |
| University of North Dakota | North Dakota | Baccalaureate, Certificate, Doctorate, Master's, Post-Degree Certificate |
| University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee | Wisconsin | Baccalaureate, Doctorate, Master's |
| University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh | Wisconsin | Baccalaureate, Master's |
| University of Wisconsin - River Falls | Wisconsin | Associate, Baccalaureate, Certificate, Master's |
| University of Wisconsin - Rock County | Wisconsin | Associate, Baccalaureate |
| University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point | Wisconsin | Baccalaureate, Master's |
| University of Wisconsin - Stout | Wisconsin | Baccalaureate, Certificate, Master's |
| University of Wisconsin - Superior | Wisconsin | Associate, Baccalaureate, Certificate, Master's |
| University of Wisconsin - Whitewater | Wisconsin | Baccalaureate |
| University of Wisconsin - Green Bay | Wisconsin | Baccalaureate, Master's |
| University of Wisconsin Green Bay - Manitowoc Campus | Wisconsin | Baccalaureate |
| University of Wisconsin Green Bay - Marinette Campus | Wisconsin | Baccalaureate |
| University of Wisconsin Green Bay - Sheboygan Campus | Wisconsin | Baccalaureate |
| University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Fox Cities Campus | Wisconsin | Associate, Baccalaureate |
| University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point at Wausau | Wisconsin | Associate, Baccalaureate, Certificate |
| UW Oshkosh, Fond du Lac Campus | Wisconsin | Associate, Baccalaureate |
| Valley City State University | North Dakota | Baccalaureate, Certificate, Master's |
| Wayne State College | Nebraska | Baccalaureate, Master's, Post-Degree Certificate |
| Webster University (private) | Missouri | Baccalaureate, Certificate, Post-Degree Certificate |
| Wichita State University | Kansas | Baccalaureate, Doctorate, Master's |
Applying to the Midwest Student Exchange Program
The application process for MSEP is not centralized; instead, students must apply directly to the participating institution. Each school has a dedicated MSEP administrator who can provide specific information about the application process and program availability.
See the above chart of links to college contacts.
Also, each institution has its own set of admission requirements and deadlines under MSEP, which can differ significantly from standard admissions. It’s important for prospective students to understand these unique requirements to ensure a successful application.
Some colleges may require students to reapply for MSEP benefits each academic year. This process ensures that students continue to meet the program’s eligibility criteria.
Maximizing the Benefits of MSEP
When selecting a school, students should consider not only the academic programs offered but also the specific MSEP rules and benefits at each institution. This could significantly impact the overall educational experience and cost.
Also, it’s important for students to be aware of potential changes in their eligibility for MSEP benefits if they change their major. Continuous communication with program administrators is key to navigating these changes.
Additional Resources and Tools
- The MSEP website is an essential resource for exploring the list of participating institutions, available programs, and specific state eligibility. It also provides contact information for program administrators. For your convenience, we’ve linked to each individual college in the table above.
- R2C Insights: Our college search and comparison tool complements the MSEP by offering a comprehensive overview of colleges, including information on merit scholarships, affordability, and graduation timelines. This tool can aid in making well-informed educational decisions. Try it for free today.
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