Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) — Save on Out-of-State Tuition in the Midwest

Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP): A Plain‑English Guide

What This Page Covers:
  • What MSEP is and how the tuition discount 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 $25,000
In‑State $10,000
MSEP Rate (cap: 150% of in‑state) $15,000
Estimated Savings $10,000 per year (before other aid)

💡 What Is MSEP?

MSEP is a multi‑state tuition reciprocity agreement in the Midwest. Participating public colleges agree to charge students from other MSEP states no more than 150% of their in‑state tuition rate. Participating private colleges offer a tuition discount (often around 10%). You don’t “win” MSEP — if you’re from an MSEP state and choose an eligible school/program, you may qualify by policy.

Quick math: If in‑state is $10,000 and out‑of‑state is $25,000, the MSEP cap makes your max $15,000 — saving about $10,000/year before any scholarships.

🌍 Participating States (with CRP Guides)

Not in MSEP? Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, and South Dakota aren’t active in MSEP right now — but they may have other reciprocity options:
• Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)
• New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE)
• Academic Common Market (ACM)

Pro tip: Minnesota and Wisconsin also have a separate tuition reciprocity agreement outside MSEP — worth comparing if your student is looking in those states.

🎓 Who Qualifies

  • Residency: You live in an MSEP state listed above.
  • Eligible school/major: The college — and your specific program — participates in MSEP.
  • Admissions: You meet the college’s standard admission requirements.

📋 How to Use MSEP (Step‑by‑Step)

  1. Look up your target school on the official MSEP list and verify your major is included.
  2. Apply for admission and indicate MSEP if the app asks (some colleges auto‑apply it).
  3. Get it in writing: confirm your MSEP rate and renewal terms before you commit.
Fine print:
  • Not every college in an MSEP state participates (and majors can be limited).
  • Some colleges cap the number of MSEP spots — earlier applicants may have better chances.
  • You usually must remain a resident of your home state while enrolled.

🏛 Public Universities

These are examples of Division I publics connected to MSEP states. We’ve linked the ones already covered on CRP. Always confirm current MSEP participation and major eligibility at the campus level.

Indiana

Kansas

Minnesota

Missouri

Nebraska

  • University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • University of Nebraska Omaha

North Dakota

  • North Dakota State University
  • University of North Dakota

Ohio

Wisconsin

Tip: Pair each linked guide with the MSEP rate to check stacking potential and compare net price.

Tip: Look up each school’s automatic merit on our college pages and see if you can stack it with the MSEP tuition rate.

🔄 How MSEP Compares to WUE, NEBHE, and ACM

Program Region Typical Savings Participation Learn More
MSEP Midwest Publics up to 150% of in‑state; privates often ~10% off Smaller network; campus/major specific This page
WUE West Publics up to 150% of in‑state (varies by campus) Larger network across Western states WUE Guide
NEBHE New England Discounted regional rates for approved majors Program‑specific eligibility NEBHE Guide
ACM Southeast In‑state or reduced rates for non‑available majors Residency + major availability rules ACM Guide

🧠 Smart Stacking: MSEP + Merit

Real savings happen when you combine the MSEP tuition rate with automatic or competitive merit from the college. Two quick examples to get you thinking:

  • Indiana → Ball State University: An Ohio student using MSEP may still qualify for Ball State’s admission‑based merit. See details on our Ball State Scholarships page.
  • Major‑limited programs: Some campuses only offer MSEP on certain majors; if your student qualifies for merit in a different major, compare totals both ways (MSEP major vs. non‑MSEP major + higher merit).

Parent move: Ask the financial aid office to show your award letter both with and without MSEP, and with the best available merit — then pick the lowest net price.

❓ MSEP Frequently Asked Questions

Do all schools in these states participate in MSEP?
No. Even if a state participates, not every public or private college does. Start with the official list, then check your state aid guide for more options: Indiana · Kansas · Minnesota · Missouri · Nebraska · North Dakota · Ohio · Wisconsin.

Do all majors get the MSEP discount?
Not necessarily. Some colleges approve only certain programs. Confirm your intended major before you count on the discount.

Is MSEP automatic or do I have to apply?
It varies. Some colleges apply MSEP automatically; others require you to indicate it on the application or a short form. Always get your rate in writing.

Can I stack MSEP with other scholarships?
Usually yes. MSEP lowers the tuition baseline, and merit/need‑based aid can reduce it further. Check your campus’s stacking rules and do a side‑by‑side comparison.

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

What if my state isn’t in MSEP?
Pivot to other reciprocity programs: WUE · NEBHE · ACM. Also check your state aid page (e.g., Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, South Dakota) for in‑state options.

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