Financial Matters: Tuition Reciprocity

Picture a student who dreams of studying oceanography but lives in a landlocked state—or one living in California, Texas, or Florida, competing for limited seats at their state’s public universities. Both want to explore out-of-state college options. Both are concerned about cost. And both are great examples of students who could benefit from tuition reciprocity programs that make certain public colleges more affordable.

What Are Tuition Reciprocity Programs?

Tuition reciprocity agreements allow students to pay a reduced tuition rate at participating public colleges in other states, usually within the same region. These programs are designed to expand access to higher education while helping colleges fill seats in less competitive programs.

However, not all reciprocity programs are the same—and not all colleges participate equally. Each institution sets its own policies on:

• Eligible majors

• GPA or test score requirements

• The number of reciprocity students they’ll accept

• Whether participation is available every year

Just because a student’s home state participates in a reciprocity program doesn’t guarantee they’ll receive discounted tuition. Families must review the details at the individual college level.

The Four Major Reciprocity Programs

Here’s an overview of the primary programs that cover most U.S. regions:

1. Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)

• Covers: Western states

• Offers: Tuition capped at 150% of in-state rates

• Key Notes:

  • Colleges choose which majors qualify

  • Competitive majors like nursing, engineering, and psychology are often excluded

  • Academic requirements and availability vary by institution

2. New England Tuition Break

• Covers: New England states

• Offers: Discounted tuition if the student’s major isn’t available in their home state

• Key Notes:

  • Some eligibility based on geographic proximity

  • Discount amounts vary by college

  • Major availability can change year to year

3. Midwest Student Exchange Program

• Covers: Eight Midwestern states

• Offers:

  • Public colleges: Tuition capped at 150% of in-state

  • Private colleges: Minimum 10% discount

• Key Notes:

  • Participation is voluntary

  • Not all colleges or majors are included

  • Seat availability may be limited

4. Academic Common Market (ACM)

• Covers: Southern states

• Offers: In-state tuition for majors not offered in the student’s home state

• Key Notes:

  • States manage certification differently

  • Some states suspend participation during tight budget years

  • May be limited to certain degree levels

Important Considerations for Families

Across all reciprocity programs, students must:

• Confirm residency in a participating state

• Apply directly to the college and indicate their reciprocity status early

• Verify that their intended major qualifies

• Understand that tuition savings do not include housing, travel, or campus fees

Some programs have limited spots, so applying early is essential.

Tuition reciprocity can make out-of-state college options significantly more affordable—but the fine print matters. With careful research and early planning, these programs can help families access the right academic fit without overextending financially.

If your student is considering out-of-state schools and cost is a concern, this is an opportunity worth exploring.

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Prepared especially for our clients and their families The information included in this newsletter is generic and assumes no liability for loss or damage due to reliance on the material contained herein. Copyright © 2025 by The College Advisor, Inc. All rights reserved.