Have you heard of the Academic Common Market? The ACM is something you might want to consider when planning for college. This program is meant to provide access to in-state tuition when “similar degree programs are not available at colleges and universities in the students’ home states.” Mississippi State has been a popular choice for many Alabama residents seeking their very affordable tuition rates offered to Alabamians. However, there is an alternative.

The ACM was established to reduce “the unnecessary duplication of academic programs among participating states…” The result is access to resident tuition rates for many degree types in an otherwise out-of-state situation. This program is accessible to residents of 15 member states, including Alabama. The ACM “is not competitive or merit-based,” meaning, you don’t have to be at the top of your class to access the program.

Worried about sending your child out of state to school? Never fear! There is also access to the ACM/EC, “EC” meaning “electronic campus”. You could enroll in a distance learning program and stay home while still only paying the in-state tuition rate.

What states participate in SREB’s Academic Common Market?

Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia
Florida and Texas participate only at the graduate level.
Visit your state’s ACM Web page for more information.
Residents from non-SREB states are not eligible to participate in the Academic Common Market

Follow the links and take a look. This just might enable your future.

Greg Johnston