Question of the Week

"What is The Academic Common Market?"



The Academic Common Market (ACM) is a tuition-savings program that operates on the premise that if public institutions (private institutions can’t participate) in a student’s home state do not offer a degree program (undergraduate or graduate) that a student intends on pursuing, then he/she may attend a participating out-of-state institution offering the degree of interest through the ACM and be granted a waiver of out-of-state tuition charges. This serves as a cost-saving measure for both parents and students as in-state tuition rates are lower than out-of-state rates. It is also a savings for the state, as these programs do not have to be duplicated here in Maryland. The Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) and the state higher education agencies of the sixteen (16) participating states administer the Academic Common Market (ACM) and ACM/Electronic Campus (EC) programs. 

Associate degree programs and non-degree programs are not eligible for ACM benefits. First professional degree programs, such as law, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and optometry are also not eligible for ACM benefits.                                             

The ACM program is not competitive, merit-based, or need-based, but applicants must meet state residency and college program requirements. Some institutions may impose additional acceptance requirements. Students are strongly advised to contact the institution directly for this information. It is the student’s responsibility to remain informed about and abide by the ACM Policies of Maryland AND of the Institution they plan to attend. 

Note:  The ACM is not a financial aid program and it is not affiliated in any manner with scholarships, award money or financial aid packages that students receive.  The ACM program represents a cooperative agreement among 16 states.  The State of Maryland also reciprocates with partnering states.  No funds are involved, reimbursed or exchanged.  

Please see ACM Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and ACM Policies and Procedures (PDF) for additional information. 

Which States Participate in the ACM?:  Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. These states participate at the graduate level only:  Florida, North Carolina and Texas. 

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Effective for the 2012-2013 academic year, as a result of the “General Assembly of North Carolina's Appropriations Act of 2011”, the State of North Carolina will no longer participate in the Academic Common Market program. This policy will remain in effect until further notice. Academic Common Market students who are enrolled in the program and begin study prior to July 1, 2012 in the University of North Carolina System may continue to pay in-state tuition as long as the student (1) remains continuously enrolled full-time in their approved ACM graduate program (defined by institution), (2) remains in good academic standing (defined by institution), (3) maintains home state residency and (4) makes satisfactory progress toward the degree.  

What Program/Majors are available through the ACM for Maryland Residents?:  Numerous undergraduate and graduate degree programs are available to Maryland residents through the ACM. See the links below for a complete list: 

• Undergraduate ACM Programs for Maryland Residents

*** Maryland residents may submit applications ONLY for programs listed in the current ACM inventory.  

Who may apply:  Current Maryland high school seniors and full-time, degree-seeking   undergraduate and graduate students who have been fully accepted or are already enrolled in an eligible program of study that has been selected for the ACM by a participating public college/university.