Reciprocity agreements can help save on college costs

College tuition can vary widely between in-state and out-of-state rates—and are often more than twice the cost for non-residents. To make higher education more accessible to all, many states have entered into Regional tuition reciprocity agreements.

These programs allow students from participating states to attend public colleges in neighboring states at discounted rates. Although programs vary, these options offer matching in-state tuition or other significant discounts to make college more affordable.

There are four main programs serving groups of countries:

• Western University Exchange (WUE)
• New England Study Holiday (NEBHE)
• Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP)
• Southern Regional Education Council Common Academic Market (ACM)

For many families, understanding these programs can open the door to out-of-state colleges without the high price tag.

Comparison of major regional reciprocity programmes

Here is where key reciprocity programs work:

Western University Exchange (WUE)

managed by Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education (WICHE)the Woo It is the largest regional stock exchange in the country. It allows students from 16 western states and territories (including Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands) to pay no more than 150% of in-state tuition at participating public colleges.

Each college decides which programs are eligible and may limit the number of WUE students it accepts. Families must apply early and confirm eligibility directly with each campus.

Examples of WUE participants:

• University of Nevada, Reno
• Northern Arizona University
• Boise State University
• Montana State University
• University of Hawaii at Manoa

Average savings: almost $9,000 to $15,000 per year Compared to standard out-of-state rates.

New England Study Holiday (NEBHE)

the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) It works Study break programmewhich connects public colleges across Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Students qualify if they are enrolled in an approved major They are not offered at a public university in their home state. Some universities also allow nearby residents to qualify based on geographic proximity.

Examples of participating schools:

• University of Maine
• Keene State College (NH)
• Bridgewater State University (MA)
• Rhode Island College
• Castleton University (VT)

Families usually save $8,000 to $12,000 per year. The NEBHE database allows students to search eligible courses and participating universities directly.

Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP)

Run by Midwest Higher Education Charter (MHEC)the Missyab It includes nine states and more than 100 public and private colleges. It is less restrictive in terms of choice of principal than NEBHE or SREB, but participation is voluntary at institutional level, This means that not all public colleges in every state participate.

Students typically pay no more than 150% of in-state tuition at public universities, and private institutions must offer a tuition discount of at least 10%.

Sample participants:

• University of Kansas
• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
• Indiana State University
• Missouri State University
• University of Nebraska – Omaha

Average savings: on $6,000 to $10,000 per yeardepending on the school.

Southern Regional Education Board Common Academic Market (SREB)

Covering 15 southern states Common Academic Market It focuses on programs that are not available in the student’s home state. Unlike WUE or MSEP, it is Specialty-specific Students must be pursuing an accredited degree field that is not available in their state to qualify.

Each state’s higher education agency certifies eligibility before a student can enroll under the terms of the ACM.

Participating schools include:

• University of Alabama
• Clemson University
• University of Kentucky
• University of Arkansas
• West Virginia University

Students attending under ACM pay Tuition fees in the country At participating universities, they are often saved $8,000 to $12,000 per year.

Washington, D.C. and US territories

Students from Washington, DC And someUS territories It’s not officially part of the four major reciprocity programs, but it has unique access options.

• DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG): Offers up to $10,000 annually To help DC residents attend any public college in the United States at in-state prices.
• US territories: Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands participate through WUE but Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands rely primarily on local university systems and federal financial aid programs such as Pell Grants.

Families in these areas should check both Federal aid options and Institutional reciprocity arrangements With certain universities.

How to apply

Most reciprocity programs require students to:

1. Confirmation of state residency Through documentation.
2. Apply directly To the participating college and indicate the status of reciprocity early.
3. Verify eligible specializations Using the program database.
4. Meet application deadlines Points may be determined or awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Families comparing costs should also weigh differences in housing, travel and campus fees. While these programs reduce tuition, they may not always cover the full cost of attendance.

What does this mean for families?

For many families, reciprocity programs can offer out-of-state options Financially realistic without private loans. A student from Colorado could study marine biology in Hawaii, or a Vermont resident might major in cybersecurity in Massachusetts — all at reduced tuition.

These programs require proactive research and early implementation, but the potential savings are significant. Using reciprocity agreements strategically can help families balance academic fit and affordability.

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