Academic Common Market (ACM) — Save Big on Out-of-State Tuition

Academic Common Market (ACM): A Plain‑English Guide

What This Page Covers:
  • What ACM is and how the in‑state tuition benefit works
  • Participating states + links to our state aid guides
  • How much you can save, who qualifies, and how to apply
  • Division I examples, FAQs, and smart stacking tips

💵 Savings at a Glance

Here’s the simple math many parents want to see first:

Tuition Type Amount (Example)
Out‑of‑State $21,000
In‑State $10,000
ACM Rate (when your major qualifies) $10,000 (in‑state price)
Estimated Savings $11,000 per year (before other aid)
Out-of-State
$21k
In-State
$10k
ACM Rate
$10k

💡 What Is ACM?

The Academic Common Market is a tuition reciprocity program in the South/Southeast. If your student’s chosen major isn’t offered at a public university in your home state, ACM lets them enroll at a participating out‑of‑state public college and pay the in‑state tuition rate for that major.

How ACM Is Different (at a glance)
  • Major-specific: Your state must not offer the major.
  • State-certified: You apply through your state, not the college.
  • In‑state price: Tuition drops to the in‑state rate (not 150%).
Quick math: If in‑state is $10,000 and out‑of‑state is $21,000, ACM drops your bill to $10,000 — saving about $11,000/year before scholarships.

Access reminder: ACM can open doors for students from schools or regions with limited majors. If you’re first‑gen, rural, or cost‑sensitive, bring this page to your counselor and ask them to help you verify eligibility and deadlines.

🌍 Participating States (with CRP Guides)

Note: North Carolina is an SREB member but not part of ACM. If ACM doesn’t fit, compare WUE and NEBHE programs.
Heads up: ACM program lists change during the year (majors can be added or removed). Always verify your student’s exact major title in the SREB ACM program search and confirm with your state coordinator before you commit.

🎓 Who Qualifies

  • Residency: You live in an ACM state listed above.
  • Major-based: Your intended major is not offered at a public university in your home state, and is ACM‑approved at the out‑of‑state school.
  • Admissions: You’re admitted to the ACM‑eligible major at the participating campus.

📋 How to Use ACM (Step‑by‑Step)

  1. Search the ACM database to verify your exact major is approved for your state — use the SREB ACM program search.
  2. Apply and get admitted to the participating university in that major.
  3. Apply through your state higher‑ed office for ACM certification — find yours on the SREB coordinator list.
  4. Send the certification to the university so they can bill you at the in‑state rate.

Timeline: Approval commonly takes 1–3 months. Start early so billing updates before your first term.

Timeline: Approval commonly takes 1–3 months…

See a sample approval timeline and who to contact
Step What happens Typical window
1) Verify major Confirm the exact major name is ACM‑eligible for your state in the SREB search. Same day
2) Get admitted Apply and gain admission to that specific major at the university. Varies by campus
3) State certification Submit your state’s ACM application and required documents. ~4–8 weeks in peak season (some states faster off‑peak)
4) Billing updates Send approval to the university; bursar switches you to the in‑state rate. ~1–2 billing cycles
Need your coordinator? Find the right contact on the SREB ACM coordinator list and ask about current processing times.
Fine print:
  • Eligibility is tied to the exact major name (and sometimes CIP code).
  • States often require ACM approval before enrollment; allow enough processing time.
  • If you switch to a non‑ACM major, you’ll lose the in‑state rate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
  • Applying to the college for ACM instead of your state coordinator.
  • Assuming any major qualifies — the exact title matters.
  • Switching majors mid‑degree and losing ACM.
  • Waiting until July/August to start paperwork.
Can’t find your major? Some states consider requests to add programs. Email your state ACM coordinator with the exact major and campus; ask if there’s a petition or review process this cycle.

🏛 Public Universities — Highlights

These are examples of public Colleges commonly referenced with ACM majors. Always confirm current ACM eligibility and the major list at the campus level.

West Virginia

Tip: Pair the ACM in‑state rate with each school’s automatic merit (see our college pages) and compare the net price both ways.

Can I stack ACM with other aid? Usually yes — ACM sets tuition to the in‑state rate, then merit/need‑based awards can stack. Always confirm each campus’s stacking policy and compare both scenarios (ACM major vs. non‑ACM major + bigger merit).

🔄 How ACM Compares to WUE, NEBHE, and MSEP

Program Region Typical Savings Participation Learn More
ACM South/Southeast In‑state tuition for approved out‑of‑state majors Residency + major not offered in‑state This page
WUE West Publics up to 150% of in‑state (varies by campus) Campus/major specific; larger network WUE Guide
NEBHE New England Discounted regional rates for approved majors Program‑specific eligibility NEBHE Guide
MSEP Midwest Publics up to 150% of in‑state; privates often ~10% off Campus/major specific; smaller network MSEP Guide

❓ ACM Frequently Asked Questions

Do all schools in these states participate in ACM?
No. Even if a state participates, not every campus or major does. Start with the SREB ACM search, then verify on the university site.

Do all majors get the ACM benefit?
No. ACM applies only to majors your home state doesn’t offer at a public university — and only if the out‑of‑state campus lists that major as ACM‑eligible for your state.

Is ACM automatic or do I have to apply?
You must apply through your state’s higher‑ed office for certification (find yours here), then send that approval to the university.

Will ACM last all four years?
Typically yes, if you stay in the approved major, keep residency in your home state, and remain in good academic standing.

What if my major is removed from ACM after I enroll?

In most cases, your ACM benefit continues as long as you remain in the exact certified major, maintain residency in your home state, and stay in good academic standing. Program lists can change for new applicants, but existing students are typically “grandfathered” for their approved major. Always keep your approval letter and confirm with your state ACM coordinator and the university’s bursar/financial aid office.

Tip: If you plan to change your catalog year, campus, or concentration, ask first whether that requires a new ACM certification.

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