With this list of the best colleges that offer in-state tuition to out-of-state students, studying at your dream school for much less is possible.
Fortunately, numerous programs across the United States give out-of-state students equal opportunities for academics as in-state students. In this guide, we review 10 top-ranked institutions that participate in these benefits for distance students.
Each of these schools meets the following criteria:
- An average annual cost of no more than $19,000
- A median starting salary no lower than $35,000
- Accredited programs by recognized bodies
Related Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.10 Best Colleges That Offer InState Tuition to Out-of-State Students
1. Augusta University
4 Year; Augusta, GA
Average Annual Cost: $12,239
Augusta University is a state-funded institution located in Georgia. As such, students must provide documented proof of residency to qualify for in-state tuition rates. The university requires that students who are legal residents of Georgia provide proof of residency as a benefit of paying taxes in the state.
Meeting specific criteria, which vary depending on age and situation, is a requirement for students to qualify for in-state tuition rates. Here are some important points to keep in mind when applying for tuition classification and waivers:
Proof of Residency
Augusta University is a state-funded institution and requires proof of residency for in-state tuition rates.
By paying taxes in Georgia, legal residents are entitled to the benefit of paying in-state tuition.
Students must provide documented proof of residency for tuition payment purposes.
The burden of proof for documenting residency for tuition purposes is on the student.
Tuition Classification
The University System of Georgia categorizes students who attend its colleges or universities as in-state or out-of-state for tuition reasons.
To enroll in a term’s classes, students who are younger than 24 years old must present proof of their parent, court-appointed legal guardian, or spouse’s residency in Georgia for a minimum of 12 consecutive months before the first day of classes.
Students 24 and older must provide evidence of their spouse’s domicile in Georgia for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes for the term.
To obtain in-state classification, students categorized as out-of-state can file a petition by filling out the designated form and providing necessary documentation.
Out-of-State Tuition Waivers
The waiver offsets the disparity in costs between in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees.
Waivers cannot be applied to previous semesters.
Employment-related Visa holder students must present valid immigration documents with their application.
Waivers are available for career consular officials, full-time school employees, non-resident students, and USG employees and dependents, among others.
Waivers are granted based on specific criteria outlined by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents Policy Manual.
Mandatory Fee Waivers
Enrollment in courses or programs with non-Augusta campus instruction may qualify students for fee waivers.
Fee waivers must be submitted each term.
Forms should be signed by the department prior to submitting to the Registrar’s Office.
Waiver processing awaits tuition and fees approval for the forthcoming academic year.
To comprehend the criteria for in-state tuition rates and qualification for out-of-state tuition waivers, students must grasp Augusta University’s guidelines on tuition classification and waivers, which furnish vital information. Students must provide documented proof of residency for tuition payment purposes, and there are specific criteria for tuition classification and waivers based on age and situation. Students should review the guidelines carefully and follow the requirements outlined to ensure they are eligible for the appropriate tuition rates and waivers. To obtain further clarification, it may benefit students to directly contact the university with any questions or concerns they have.
Augusta University offers many different out-of-state tuition waivers, including:
- Waivers for non-resident students
- Economic advantage waivers
- Waivers for career consular officials
- Waivers for separated military personnel
- Waivers for Georgia National Guard and U.S. Military Reservist members
- Military personnel waivers
- Additional waivers through South Carolina scholarships
To learn more about the tuition fee waivers available from Augusta University, you can visit this link.
2. West Virginia University
4 Year; Morgantown, WV
Average Annual Cost: $13,355
Students from select southern states can attend out-of-state universities and pay in-state tuition through the Academic Common Market (ACM) program, provided their desired major is unavailable in their home state. West Virginia University (WVU) has made changes to its ACM program, which are discussed below.
Changes to the ACM Program at WVU
As of Summer 2020, WVU will no longer admit new undergraduate students under the ACM agreement. Current ACM students in good ACM standing will continue to receive support until they graduate, run out of eligibility, or leave the University.
These changes will not impact graduate students enrolled in the ACM program at WVU.
Double Majoring
WVU does not approve double majors for ACM students in accordance with the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) guidelines.
Maintaining ACM Benefits
To maintain their ACM benefits, students must follow these guidelines:
Remain enrolled full-time (at least 12 earned credit hours).
Do not change majors or institutions (even to another ACM major).
Maintain good academic standing in the ACM (2.0 or better Overall GPA).
Retain home state residency.
Graduate in five academic years or less.
Changing Majors
Changing their major or program to an unapproved ACM option or one unavailable in their home state absolves the student from paying back tuition for the years they were granted ACM benefits. Changing their major during a semester may result in the institution imposing the out-of-state tuition rate for that semester. If a student changes their major to a different program that is included in the ACM, they must be re-certified and/or have their state coordinator issue a new certification letter.
Remaining in the ACM Program
To remain in good standing for the ACM, students must follow these guidelines:
Maintain good academic standing (2.0 or better Overall GPA) and remain a full-time student (at least twelve registered and completed degree pursuant credit hours each semester).
Meet standards for good academic progress toward entry into the major or completion of major program requirements.
Failing to finish 12 degree-related credit hours by the end of Fall or Spring term will result in the subsequent term charging ACM students the out-of-state tuition rate.
ACM program will remove students with less than a 2.0 GPA or those who fail to progress towards entering or completing an approved program, and subject them to out-of-state tuition fees.
At the end of each Fall and Spring term, a follow-up progress audit report is completed for each ACM student. ACM program will remove students who are not in good academic standing or have not completed 12 degree-pursuant credit hours, and will charge out-of-state tuition in the following terms.
Students receive five academic years of ACM tuition. Charging the regular out-of-state tuition will commence in the sixth year’s commencement.
Students must continue to remain eligible under their home state requirements.
Students who change their major or defer entry into the program must obtain a new certification letter from their ACM State Coordinator. Changing their major to a non-approved ACM major during the semester will result in students being charged the out-of-state tuition rate for that semester.
All notifications relating to ACM status will be sent to the student’s MIX email account.
In conclusion, West Virginia University has made significant changes to its Academic Common Market program, which mainly affects undergraduate students. Students participating in the ACM program at WVU must follow the guidelines outlined above to maintain their benefits and good standing in the program.
To maintain their eligibility for in-state tuition rates throughout their program, students must actively monitor their progress and qualifications. Students considering applying to WVU through the ACM program should double-check the guidelines and requirements for maintaining ACM benefits to ensure they are eligible and can continue to receive in-state tuition rates for the duration of their program.
To learn more about tuition waivers for out-of-state students at West Virginia University, you can visit this link.
3. University of Arizona
4 Year; Tucson, AZ
Average Annual Cost: $13,358
Sixteen western states and territories established the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) to collaborate and offer affordable and top-notch education in the West. The organization facilitates sharing of higher education programs and facilities for training new professionals, conducting research, and sponsoring continuing education to sharpen the skills of current professionals.
The Professional Student Exchange Program enables a limited number of Arizona students to enroll in one of five professional programs in other states, or at in-state private institutions, since these programs are not available at Arizona’s public universities.
The fields of study available are:
Dentistry
Optometry
Osteopathic medicine
Podiatry
Veterinary medicine.
United States citizens who have resided in Arizona for a minimum of five years and have maintained a 2.5 GPA are required to meet the eligibility criteria for the PSEP. To obtain certification of eligibility for professional training, applicants must directly apply to one or more of the participating schools during the period between March 15 and October 15 of the preceding year.
Funding priority is given to continuing students who were supported in the previous year and are making satisfactory academic progress. New students who applied for certification before October 15 and were certified and admitted to a participating institution are next in line for funding. In general, the funds requested for continuing students will not be used to support new students.
If you want to learn more about tuition waivers from the University of Arizona, you can visit this link.
4. Emporia State University
4 Year; Emporia, KS
Average Annual Cost: $14,794
Emporia State University is a public university located in Emporia, Kansas. Established in 1863, it is one of the oldest universities in Kansas. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in various fields.
Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) Discount
Emporia State University offers an MSEP discount to students participating in the Midwest Student Exchange Program.
To be eligible for the MSEP discount, students must reside in Indiana, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, or Wisconsin.
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
Full-time enrollment is required for undergraduate students.
Students must make acceptable progress toward the degree as verified by the department chair or academic advisor.
Students must meet one of three Qualified Admission requirements:
Complete the pre-college curriculum prescribed by the Board of Regents with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, which includes four units of English and math and three units of social science and natural science.
Earn a composite American College Testing program (ACT) score of not less than 21 points or a SAT-1 re-centered score of not less than 990 points.
Graduate in the upper 1/3 of their class.
Students who do not meet one of the three requirements above may be considered for Emporia State’s 10% window.
Graduate Admission Requirements
Graduate students must enroll in at least 6 credit hours of graduate credit.
Students must make acceptable progress toward the degree as verified by the department chair or academic advisor.
Students need a bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited regionally, and they must maintain a grade point average of at least 2.5 in the last 60 semester hours of study or achieve an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher for a completed master’s degree, to be eligible.
Some academic department requirements may be higher.
Certificate Programs
Emporia State University offers the following certificate programs:
Archives (Graduate)
Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate: Rehabilitation Services, General and Special Education (Graduate)
Dyslexia (Graduate)
Economic Education (Graduate)
eLearning and Online Teaching (Graduate)
Elementary Literacy (Graduate)
Elementary STEM (Graduate)
Geospatial Analysis (Graduate)
Health Information Professionals (Graduate)
Informatics (Graduate)
Leadership & Administration in Information Organizations (Graduate)
Math (Graduate)
Psychology of Learning (Graduate)
Quantitative Economics (Graduate)
Secondary Literacy (Graduate)
Social-Emotional Learning and Psychological Well-Being (Graduate)
Teaching with Technology (Graduate)
Youth Services (Graduate)
Baccalaureate Degree Programs
Emporia State University offers the following baccalaureate degree programs:
Accounting (BSB)
Art (BA, BFA, BS, BSE)
Athletic Training (BS)
Biological Sciences (BA, BS, BSE)
Science Teaching (BSE)
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BS)
Business Administration (BSB)
Business Education (BSE)
Chemistry (BA, BS, BSE)
Communication (BA, BS)
Speech Communication/Theatre (BSE)
Computer Science (BS)
Data Security (BS)
Counseling – Rehabilitation Education (BS)
Crime & Delinquency Studies (BA, BS)
Earth Science (BA, BS)
Earth/Space Science (BSE)
Economics (BS)
Education – Elementary (BSE)
English (BA, BSE)
Finance (BSB)
Health (BSE)
Health Promotion (BS)
History (BA, BS)
Information Systems (BSB)
Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS)
Information Resources Studies (BS)
Management (BSB)
Marketing (BSB)
Mathematics (BA, BS, BSE)
Modern Language (BA, BSE)
Music (BA, BM, BME)
Nursing (BSN)
Physical Education (BSE)
Physical Sciences (BA, BS)
Science Grades 5-8 (BSE)
Physics (BA, BS, BSE)
Political Science (BA, BS)
Psychology (BA, BS, BSE)
Recreation (BS)
Social Sciences (BA, BS, BSE)
Sociology (BA, BS)
Theatre (BA, BFA)
Masters Degree Programs
Emporia State University offers the following master’s degree programs:
Accountancy (MACC)
Applied Sociology (MA)
Art Therapy Counseling (MS)
Art Therapy Post Master’s (MS)
Athletic Training (MS)
Biological Sciences (MA)
Biological Sciences (MS)
Business Administration (MBA)
Clinical Counseling (MS)
Clinical Psychology (MS)
Curriculum & Instruction (MS)
Early Childhood Unified (MS)
Educational Administration (MS)
Elementary Education (MS)
Forensic Science (MS)
Health, Physical Education & Coaching (MS)
History (MA)
Informatics (MS)
Information Technology (MS)
Instructional Design & Technology (MS)
Instructional Specialist (MS)
Library Science (MLS)
Mathematics (MS)
Psychology (MS)
School Counseling (MS)
Special Education (MS)
Teaching (MED)
Doctoral Degree Programs
Emporia State University offers the following doctoral degree programs:
Library and Information Management (Ph.D)
School Psychology (EdS)
Emporia State University provides undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs, as well as certificate programs, across a variety of fields. The university also offers an MSEP discount to eligible students. Admission requirements and program offerings vary depending on the degree level and program type.
To learn more about paying in-state tuition as an out-of-state student at Emporia State University, visit this link.
5. Mississippi State University
4 Year; Mississippi State, MS
Average Annual Cost: $16,122
The Academic Common Market (ACM) is a tuition savings program that allows residents of participating states to pursue specific academic degree programs not offered in their home states without having to pay non-resident tuition charges. Here is some essential information about the program:
Participating States:
The Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) coordinates the ACM program for the sixteen participating states.
The participating states include:
Alabama
Arkansas
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Mississippi
North Carolina
Oklahoma
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
West Virginia
Florida and Texas only participate in the program at the Graduate level.
Eligibility:
Only legal residents of an SREB member state are eligible for the ACM program.
To qualify, students must select a participating program that is approved for the ACM for their state and be admitted unconditionally to that program of the host institution.
Deadlines and Criteria for Mississippi State University ACM:
A letter of Certification of Residency for the student should be obtained from the ACM state coordinators and approved by the Office of the Provost & Executive Vice President by June 30th for Fall semester, October 31st for Spring semester, and March 31st for Summer semester(s).
To receive the ACM waiver for non-resident tuition, all paperwork must be received and approved no later than the last day to register or add a course (6th class day) in a semester.
Minimum Requirements for ACM at Mississippi State University:
Effective January 1st, 2023, to receive the ACM tuition remission for approved programs, Mississippi State University requires that an entering student meet certain criteria, including an ACT composite score of 22, minimum ACT sub-score of 19 for Math and English, and a 2.75 core GPA on High School transcripts.
Transfer students (4-year and Community College, including internal program transfers) must meet specific criteria, including a 2.75 GPA on college transcripts.
Meeting both the Graduate School’s minimum admission requirements and any relevant departmental criteria is imperative for prospective students to gain acceptance into an ACM-endorsed postgraduate program.
Maintaining ACM Eligibility:
The ACM Non-resident Tuition Remission is 100 percent and will remain at the 100 percent level if the student meets certain criteria, including remaining a legal resident of the state from which the student received ACM residency certification, remaining in the approved academic degree program, enrolling as a full-time student each semester, maintaining academic good standing with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 for all attempted coursework at MSU, and complying with all the requirements of the approved academic program.
If a student remains out of school from MSU for one calendar year or more, then the student must obtain recertification from their ACM state coordinator.
At the end of each semester grades will be checked to ensure continued access to the ACM non-resident tuition remission.
Appeals Process:
Students who lose their ACM non-resident tuition remission have the right to appeal their ACM status.
Appeals of loss of the ACM non-resident tuition remission may be made based on mitigating circumstances.
Mitigating circumstances must be documented in the appeal for reinstatement of the ACM non-resident tuition remission.
The MSU ACM Appeals Committee has authority over all appeals, and its decisions are final.
In summary, the Academic Common Market (ACM) is a program that offers significant tuition savings to legal residents of participating states who pursue specific academic degree programs not offered in their home states. The program has certain eligibility criteria, deadlines, minimum requirements, and guidelines for maintaining eligibility, as well as an appeals process for students who lose their ACM non-resident tuition remission.
To learn more about what’s expected from in-state students seeking out-of-state tuition at this school, visit this link.
6. University of Arkansas
4 Year; Fayetteville, AR
Average Annual Cost: $16,507
The Academic Common Market is an agreement among Southern states in the USA to share uncommon academic programs. Participating states can arrange for their residents who qualify for admission to enroll as in-state students for fee purposes.
The Academic Common Market
Essential information about the Academic Common Market includes:
The Common Market concept recognizes that it is impractical for every state to develop programs in every field of knowledge.
Each Southern state has programs that are not offered in some of the other states and can accommodate additional students.
Sharing such programs helps to eliminate unnecessary duplication and increase access to programs that meet the educational needs of the citizens of the South.
To enroll as an Academic Common Market student, you must be accepted for admission into a program to which your state has obtained access for its residents through the Academic Common Market.
Academic Common Market Programs at the University of Arkansas
The following programs are presently available at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, at in-state rates to residents of Southern states through the Academic Common Market:
Anthropology (WV)
Architecture (KY)
Athletic Training (KY, LA)
Kinesiology (LA, GA, OK)
Landscape Architecture (DE)
Microelectronics-Photonics (OK)
Philosophy (AL, MS)
Public Policy (OK)
Student Residence Status for Tuition and Fee Purposes
Essential information about student residence status for tuition and fee purposes at the University of Arkansas includes:
The purpose of the regulations is to classify students for the purpose of paying student fees as either “in-state” or “out-of-state” to accord fairness and equity to the students of the University and to the public, which provides support for the educational services provided by the University.
A student shall be admitted to the University in an “in-state” or “out-of-state” status for university fee purposes, as established under these regulations.
A bona fide domicile is a home of apparent true, fixed, and permanent nature, a place of actual residing for all purposes of living that may be distinguished from a temporary sojourn in this state as a student.
The six-month period required for establishing a bona fide domicile may be waived for persons, their spouses, and their unmarried children who move to Arkansas with attendance at the University only a by-product of the primary purpose of establishing domicile in this state.
The responsibility for registering under a proper classification for student fee purposes is placed upon the student.
If the student has lived in Arkansas in a permanent home for at least six consecutive months before the reclassification and has maintained that status throughout their residency, the University may reclassify a student’s fee status from “out-of-state” to “in-state.”
Other Residence Status Policies
Other policies regarding student residence status for tuition and fee purposes at the University of Arkansas include:
Native American people in other states belonging to tribes that formerly lived in Arkansas before relocation, and whose names are on the rolls in tribal headquarters, shall be classified as in-state students of Arkansas for tuition and fee purposes on all campuses of the University of Arkansas.
Members of the Armed Forces who are stationed in the state of Arkansas pursuant to military orders, and their unemancipated dependents, shall be entitled to classification as in-state students for fee-paying purposes.
Residents of Texarkana, Texas, and Bowie County, Texas, will be classified as in-state students for university fee purposes at the University of Arkansas.
The Academic Common Market provides students from Southern states with access to uncommon academic programs at in-state tuition rates, increasing educational opportunities and reducing the cost burden on families. The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, offers a range of Academic Common Market programs, which are listed above. The second part of the information provided details the university’s explicit policies and procedures for ascertaining residency status concerning tuition and fees. Consult the Registrar’s Office for guidance if you have any queries regarding your residency classification as a student.
To learn more about the Academic Common Market Program at the University of Arkansas, visit this link.
7. University of Baltimore
4 Year; Baltimore, MD
Average Annual Cost: $17,206
The Academic Common Market (ACM) is a tuition-savings program that enables students to pursue majors that are not offered in their home state at participating public institutions. Here is some essential information regarding the ACM program for Maryland residents:
Eligibility:
Maryland residents are eligible for the program
Must be accepted or enrolled in a full-time, degree-seeking program at a participating public college or university, whether undergraduate, transfer, or graduate
Must be admitted to the academic program before applying for the ACM
Application Deadlines:
There are three different opportunities to apply to the ACM each academic year
Fall semester: March 1st – June 30th (annually)
Spring semester: September 1st – November 15th (annually)
Summer semester (not available at all institutions): January 2nd – February 28th (annually)
Application Process for Undergraduate Students and Students Under Age 24:
ACM applications are accepted only through the ACM Application on the OneStop portal
Documents that need to be uploaded in a single PDF include:
Copy of parents’ Maryland income tax return (Form 502 and Form 502B only)
Copy of official university letter of admission or program verification letter
Copy of student’s Maryland motor vehicle operator’s license or identification card
Both parents’ Maryland motor vehicle operator’s license
Copy of parent’s or student’s Maryland Vehicle registration
Completed and manually signed ACM Student-Parent Affirmation.pdf
Application Process for Graduate Students or Students Age 24 or Older:
ACM applications are accepted only through the ACM Application on the OneStop portal
Documents that need to be uploaded in a single PDF include:
Copy of student’s Maryland income tax return (Form 502 and Form 502B only)
Copy of official university letter of admission or program verification letter
Copy of student’s Maryland motor vehicle operator’s license or identification card
Copy of parent’s or student’s Maryland Vehicle registration
Completed and manually signed ACM Student-Parent Affirmation.pdf
Important Information:
Once your application has been approved and your certification has been processed, you may view or download your ACM Certification from your OneStop account.
The Maryland ACM Coordinator will forward your Certification to your University’s ACM Coordinator for processing.
There are participating institutions in multiple states, such as Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, South Carolina, Georgia, Arkansas, and Alabama.
Overall, the ACM program is an excellent opportunity for Maryland residents to pursue majors that are not offered in their home state. By knowing the eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and required documents, students can make the most of this opportunity to save money on tuition and broaden their academic horizons.
You can find all the steps for applying through your OneStop account, which is managed by the government of Maryland. To learn more about the Academic Common Market Program and the University of Baltimore, visit this link.
8. Louisiana State University
4 Year; Baton Rouge, LA
Average Annual Cost: $17,811
College students who are residents of 16 Southern Regional Education Board member states may have access to the Academic Common Market (ACM), a program that allows them to pursue degrees that are not available at their in-state institutions. ACM students can enroll in out-of-state institutions that offer their degree program and pay that institution’s in-state tuition rate.
Here are the essential information that you need to know about the Academic Common Market:
What is the Academic Common Market?
A tuition-saving program for college students in the 16 Southern Regional Education Board member states who want to pursue degrees that are not offered by their in-state institutions.
Allows students to enroll in out-of-state institutions that offer their degree program and pay that institution’s in-state tuition rate.
Benefits of the Academic Common Market:
Exempts students from paying the out-of-state tuition rate, granting them the Louisiana resident tuition rate.
Enables students to pursue degrees that are not available at their in-state institutions.
Reduces the cost of higher education, making it more accessible and affordable to students.
Offers an opportunity to gain unique experiences by studying at different institutions.
How to Apply for the Academic Common Market:
Contact your home state’s SREB representative to obtain the necessary documents.
Submit the LSU ACM interest form to express your interest in the program.
Receive a PDF of your letter in your Admission Portal upon approval of your ACM status.
Submit the official letter to your home state’s SREB representative.
Monitor myLSU for tuition exemption and ensure that you meet the requirements to maintain eligibility.
Requirements to Maintain Eligibility:
Enroll in a minimum of 12 hours of courses that apply directly to the approved degree program to maintain the full ACM exemption.
Enroll in a minimum of 9 credit hours of degree-applicable courses for graduate students.
If you change majors, you will need to reapply for ACM to continue to receive the exemption.
If you are not enrolled at LSU for one or more fall or spring semesters, you must reapply for ACM through your state coordinator.
Eligible States and Undergraduate Programs for ACM:
ACM’s list of undergraduate programs may change and differ by state.
Eligible states include Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Some of the undergraduate programs available under the ACM include Biological Engineering, Coastal Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, International Trade and Finance, Mass Communication, Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Petroleum Engineering, Political Communication, Sport Administration, and Textiles, Apparel, and Merchandising.
By providing a cost-effective solution to students who seek degrees not offered at their in-state institutions, the Academic Common Market program proves to be an invaluable resource. Students can cut costs and equip themselves for their prospective careers by registering in degree programs offered by out-of-state institutions, which can also provide them with distinctive experiences. To learn more about the program and to apply for the ACM, contact your home state’s SREB representative.
To learn more about Louisiana State University’s waived out-of-state tuition fees, visit this link.
9. Kansas State University
4 Year; Manhattan, KS
Average Annual Cost: $18,433
Tuition waiver programs significantly benefit domestic non-resident students by effectively lowering out-of-state tuition expenses. Kansas State University (K-State) offers several tuition waiver programs, including the Midwest Student Exchange Program, Founders Non-Resident Merit Award, Missouri Reciprocal Program, and Missouri Match Program. These programs are based on merit and provide a non-repayable benefit similar to scholarships. In this blog, we will explore the essential information about tuition waiver programs and their projected awards.
I. Tuition Waiver Programs vs. Scholarships:
Disbursement Considerations:
Scholarships: Fixed awards with a specific dollar amount disbursed to the student’s account each term.
Tuition Waiver Programs: Discount the out-of-state tuition rate without providing actual monies to the student’s account.
Financial Benefit over Time: Projected Total Award:
Scholarships:
Have a fixed dollar amount associated with them.
Tuition Waiver Programs: Projected award totals that reflect any increases in out-of-state tuition over time.
Potential to save students more money as the financial benefit increases alongside annual tuition rate increases.
Variability of Projected Award Amounts:
Tuition savings vary based on the number of credit hours taken per semester.
Tuition savings may vary if resident or non-resident tuition rates change during the student’s time at K-State.
First-year award amounts are estimated based on 30 credit hours per year/15 credit hours per semester.
II. Program Type Considerations:
Applicability of Tuition Waivers:
Out-of-state tuition waivers can only be applied to programs that charge full out-of-state tuition to students.
Changing the program of study from a Manhattan campus-based program to an online program may affect the application of the waiver.
Seeking Assistance:
For assistance in determining programs with in-state or out-of-state tuition and fees, students may reach out to the Cashier’s Office.
Tuition waiver programs provide valuable financial assistance to domestic non-resident students, reducing out-of-state tuition costs. While they differ from scholarships in terms of disbursement and projected awards, tuition waiver programs offer potential long-term savings as they account for tuition rate increases. Understanding the program type considerations and seeking assistance when needed will ensure students make the most of these beneficial programs.
To learn more about the different out-of-state tuition savings and scholarships at Kansas State University, visit this link.
10. Texas A&M University
4 Year; College Station, TX
Average Annual Cost: $18,919
The Academic Common Market (ACM) is a collaborative initiative among southern public colleges and universities aimed at sharing specified academic degree programs across state borders. The program allows eligible students to pursue their desired programs at in-state rates, eliminating unnecessary duplication among states and providing access to programs not available in their home states.
Purpose and Motivation of ACM:
The purpose of ACM is to share academic degree programs among southern public colleges and universities.
Motivations behind ACM cooperation include:
Eliminating duplication of degree programs across states.
Supporting existing programs with the capacity to serve additional students.
Providing access and encouraging interstate movement for programs unavailable in a student’s home state.
ACM Overview:
Residence Requirement:
Students must be residents of one of the 15 participating Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) states.
Steps for Participation:
Student learns about ACM and contacts the SREB or state coordinator to determine eligible programs.
Student applies and gets accepted into an ACM-approved program.
Student applies for certification of residency through their home state coordinator.
State coordinator certifies the student and notifies the institution.
The institution grants in-state status or waivers out-of-state fees.
ACM for Texas Residents:
Texas residents seeking out-of-state study should first ensure that a comparable program isn’t available at a Texas public university.
To search for degree programs in Texas, visit: http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/apps/ProgramInventory/ProgSearch.cfm
For specific questions about Texas participation, contact ACMrequests@thecb.state.tx.us or call Jessica Acton at (512) 427-6214.
ACM for Residents of Other Participating States:
Residents of other participating states who wish to study at Texas A&M should contact the ACM coordinator at their home institution or home state.
Contact information for each participating state can be found on the SREB website.
Approved Programs at Texas A&M University:
A detailed list of approved programs, concentrations, and eligible states can be found on the SREB website.
Some of the approved programs at Texas A&M University include:
Master of Science in Animal Breeding
Master of Architecture in Architecture
Doctor of Philosophy in Geography
Master of Health Administration in Health Policy and Management
Master of Urban Planning in Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning
Graduate Certificate in Advanced International Affairs
ACM Electronic Campus Program:
The ACM Electronic Campus (ACM/EC) allows students to pursue eligible degree programs via distance or e-learning while staying in their home state.
Benefits include cost savings for both states and students, as states don’t need to provide costly specialized programs, and students avoid higher out-of-state tuition rates.
Eligibility for ACM/EC waivers of out-of-state tuition:
No public college or university in the student’s home state offers the desired degree program.
The program is available in another participating SREB state.
The program is offered through distance learning.
The student meets the admissions requirements of the offering institution.
The student is certified as a resident of their home state.
Approved ACM/EC Programs at Texas A&M University:
Graduate Certificate in Advanced International Affairs
Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security
Graduate Certificate in Statistics
Master of Engineering in Petroleum Engineering
The Academic Common Market offers an excellent opportunity for students in participating SREB states to access affordable education across state lines. By eliminating duplication of programs and encouraging interstate movement, the ACM opens up a range of degree programs that may not be available in students’ home states. Texas residents can take advantage of the ACM by confirming the availability of comparable programs within the state before exploring out-of-state options. Residents of other participating states who wish to study at Texas A&M University can contact the ACM coordinator at their home institution or state.
The ACM/EC program further expands access to education by offering eligible degree programs through distance learning. This allows students to pursue their desired programs without the need to relocate, providing flexibility for those with work or other commitments. The ACM/EC program also offers cost savings for both states and students.
Texas A&M University has a diverse range of approved programs within the ACM, covering various fields such as animal breeding, architecture, geography, health administration, urban planning, and more. Students can refer to the SREB website for a comprehensive list of approved programs and eligible states.
The Academic Common Market facilitates the exchange of academic degree programs among southern public colleges and universities. By participating in the ACM, students can access in-state rates for programs not available in their home states, while states can avoid costly program duplication. The ACM/EC program further expands opportunities through distance learning. Texas A&M University offers a selection of approved programs within the ACM, providing students with a wide range of options for pursuing their educational goals.
If you want to learn more about the ACM Program at Texas A&M University, you can visit this link.
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