Alabama

• Auburn University limits ACM access to undergraduate programs. Only 25 new ACM participants are accepted each year, and students must be at either the junior or senior level to participate in the ACM. Auburn selects applicants on a competitive basis; for which the deadline is March 15th. Applicants should contact the institutional coordinator’s office prior to contacting his/her state coordinator.
• The University of Alabama limits ACM access to the programs that are currently listed in the ACM inventory. Further, UA applies the following conditions for eligibility for approved ACM programs:
  1. The annual ACM Deadline for fall admissions is May 1st.
  2. Only first-time, incoming freshman are eligible for the ACM program.
  3. For first-time ACM certification, an undergraduate student must have at least a 27 ACT composite score or 1260 SAT composite score (math and verbal only) and at least a 3.50 overall high school GPA.
  4. For continuing participation after the initial semester of ACM support, each UA ACM student must maintain at least a 3.00 cumulative GPA on all UA course work attempted. This GPA standard is in addition to the long- standing requirements for maintaining residency and major.
  5. UA ACM does not provide a probation semester. The ACM award is lost if student fall below 3.0 overall GPA.
  6. ACM award is only approved for 8 academic semesters – summers are not included.
  7. ACM students are not allowed to double major under the ACM program. Adding a second major, regardless of ACM-eligibility, will result in the loss of ACM award. ACM students are prohibited from a minor unless required for major. Also, undergraduate students are prohibited from enrollment in graduate school courses.
  8. ACM students must maintain full-time status. Dropping below full-time will result in loss of ACM award.
  9. ACM award does not post to student account until grades are verified each semester.

Delaware

• The University of Delaware limits ACM access to the programs that are currently listed in the ACM inventory.

Florida

• The state of Florida limits ACM access to graduate programs only.
• The University of Florida requires that student certifications be submitted to the ACM Institutional Coordinator at the University of Florida prior to the payment deadline for the upcoming semester’s tuition and fees. Any certifications received by the institution on or after the payment deadline, will not be processed until the following semester. Students should be directed to the academic calendar for the University of Florida to view the upcoming tuition and fee payment deadlines.

Georgia

• The state of Georgia does not include "mode of delivery" as a determinant of program eligibility for state residents.
• The Georgia Institute of Technology limits ACM access to graduate programs that are currently listed in the ACM inventory.
• Georgia State University limits ACM access to graduate programs only.
• The University of Georgia grants ACM access after students have completed at least 60 credit hours and have been formally admitted to the ACM degree program. ACM eligibility at UGA is limited to four academic semesters for undergraduate students and continues through ACM degree program completion for graduate students.

Louisiana

• The state of Louisiana does not include “mode of delivery” as a determinant of program eligibility for state residents.

Maryland

• The State of Maryland has a strict ACM application deadline policy. The following ACM deadlines are firm and cannot be appealed:
  • Fall semester – March 1st through June 30th
  • Spring semester – September 1st through November 15th
  • Summer semester – January 2nd through February 28th
  Note: These deadlines are subject to change without prior notice. For certainty, please always check the state’s ACM webpage for accurate deadlines
• Towson University does not participate in the ACM.
• The University of Maryland, Eastern Shore does not participate in the ACM.
• The University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) does not participate in the ACM.

Mississippi

• The state of Mississippi limits the eligibility of Mississippi residents participating in the ACM program to those enrolled in degree programs on a full-time basis. Full-time enrollment status will be based on the host institution's definition.
• The state of Mississippi does not include "mode of delivery" as a determinant of program eligibility for state residents.
• Mississippi State University limits ACM access to the programs that are currently listed in the ACM inventory.
  • To be eligible to receive the Academic Common Market tuition remission for approved programs, an entering student must have an ACT composite score of 22 or better (minimum ACT sub-score of 19 for Math and English) and a core GPA of 2.75 on the high school transcripts.
  • Transfer students (4-year college, community college, and internal program transfers) must have a GPA of 2.75 on the college transcripts.
  • To be admitted into ACM-approved graduate programs, applicants must meet minimum university requirements, as well as any specific departmental requirements that may apply.
• The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) limits ACM access to the programs that are currently listed in the ACM inventory.
• The Provost for the University of Southern Mississippi will review additions to the institution's ACM inventory on a case-by-case basis.
• Mississippi State University, the University of Mississippi and the University of Southern Mississippi are not adding any new programs to the ACM.

North Carolina

• Effective of the General Assembly of North Carolina’s Appropriations Act of 2011, North Carolina’s participation in the ACM as both a sender and a receiver of students, has ended.

Oklahoma

• The University of Oklahoma limits ACM access to the programs that are currently listed in the ACM inventory and is not considering additional programs.

South Carolina

• The state of South Carolina limits the eligibility of South Carolina residents participating in the ACM program to those enrolled in degree programs on a full-time basis. Full-time enrollment status will be based on the host institution's definition.
• The state of South Carolina does not include "mode of delivery" as a determinant of program eligibility for state residents.
• Clemson University
  •  Clemson University participates in the ACM at the graduate level only effective academic year 2024-25.
  • Students must be approved for the ACM their first semester at Clemson: first-time freshmen or first-time graduate student. Students will lose their ACM tuition rate if they change their majors.
  • Clemson limits ACM access to 35 new ACM participants each year.
  • Applicants should first contact their state coordinator. Clemson will notify the South Carolina State Coordinator when our limit has been reached on new student participation.
  • Receipt of the ACM waiver may affect eligibility for other scholarships.
  • Students who seek approval for ACM in engineering (except for Biosystems Engineering) and business majors are not eligible for consideration for ACM until their sophomore year; at which time they have declared a major and the major has been approved for ACM.
• The following institutions do not participate in the ACM program:
  • The Citadel
  • College of Charleston
  • Francis Marion University
• Coastal Carolina University will not add the BSBA in Marketing (Professional Golf Management) to the ACM. This restriction will remain in effect until further notice.
• Medical University of South Carolina has put an indefinite moratorium on the addition of the MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion.

Tennessee

• The University of Tennessee, Knoxville participates in the ACM at the graduate level only effective spring 2025.
• Tennessee residents will no longer have access to the MS in Prosthetics and Orthotics degrees at Alabama State University or University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center after June 1, 2023.

Texas

• The state of Texas limits ACM access to graduate programs only.
• The University of Texas at Austin does not participate in the ACM.
• The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston currently does not participate in the ACM.

Virginia

• The state of Virginia reviews program inclusion requests once a year. The deadline for submitting program inclusion requests is February of each year. This process may take up to one (1) year to complete and there is no guarantee that the request will be approved.
• The College of William and Mary limits ACM access to the program that is currently listed in the ACM inventory.
• The following institutions do not participate in the ACM program:
  • Christopher Newport University
  • George Mason University
  • James Madison University
  • University of Mary Washington
  • University of Virginia
  • Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Virginia Military Institute
  • Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech)

West Virginia

• West Virginia University participates in the ACM at the graduate degree level only.
• West Virginia University Institute of Technology participates in the ACM at the graduate degree level only.

Q. What is the Academic Common Market?

A. The Academic Common Market (ACM) is an agreement between 15 states (AL, AR, DE, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV) of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) that allows students to pursue degrees not offered by four-year public institutions in their own respective states. Students, who qualify, can enroll in degree programs at participating SREB institutions at in-state tuition rates.

Several states and institutions restrict its ACM participation and access to programs because of but not limited to governance, economic challenges, and competitive programs. For example, the states of FL and TX participate in the ACM at the graduate level only.

Q. How does a student in Virginia qualify for the Academic Common Market?

A. The student must be able to prove that he/she is a resident of Virginia. He/she must be a student enrolled in a degree program leading to a baccalaureate, master’s, specialist’s or doctoral degree. The student must have a letter of acceptance/enrollment letter into the specific program of study offered at the out-of-state institution and this program must be listed in the ACM and available to Virginia residents. Only students who have been unconditionally accepted into ACM approved programs are eligible to participate.

Q. Can I qualify for ACM certification as a part-time student?

A. Contact your ACM liaison at the institution to confirm enrollment eligibility requirements.  

Q. Can I apply for ACM status before I am accepted at the participating institution?

A. No. Students must be accepted for admission to the approved ACM major at the participating institution before they apply for certification.

Q. What is the certification process?

A. The certification process varies from state to state. In Virginia, students must complete the ACM Application Form. Virginia residents can submit only one application. All applications require an original signature(s) and must be mailed via U.S. Mail to the State Council of Higher Education (SCHEV) with all required documents. Electronic or faxed applications will not be accepted. The review process takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks before a determination is made. However, the determination may be delayed for various reasons: the volume of applications received, the application is incomplete and not signed and dated by the appropriate person(s), missing required documents, the documents are not acceptable, holidays and inclement weather. SCHEV will notify applicants in writing if they meet eligibility to participate or not participate in the ACM as a Virginia resident. If the applicant is approved to participate as a Virginia resident, the student will receive a certification letter and a copy will be sent to the participating institution’s ACM contact. The final decision will be made by the institution and the student will be granted a tuition waiver or the in-state tuition rate. It is highly recommended that you contact the institution prior to completing the application and submitting it to our office to check on any institutional requirements (i.e., GPA, required tests, enrollment, etc.). and your effective term of eligibility. Institutional ACM liaison contact information is available on SREB’s Participating Institution website.

Q. What documents must be enclosed with the completed application?

A. The student must enclose with the completed application a copy of his/her official acceptance/enrollment letter into the participating institution stating the major/degree program and effective term. In addition to the acceptance/enrollment letter, students must also enclose photocopies of three documents supporting claim of Virginia domicile. The three documents are: a valid Virginia’s driver’s license or valid Virginia identification card, a signed copy of most recent federal income tax form 1040; and a signed copy of most recent Virginia income tax form 760.

If your parents, a legal guardian, or spouse provide(s) 50% or more of your financial support and/or claim you as a tax dependent, you should classify yourself as a “dependent” student and all supporting documents for Virginia residency should bear this individual’s name.

Q. Can I fax or e-mail my application?

A. No, the application must be mailed. It cannot be faxed or sent electronically. We strongly encourage applicants to retain a copy of the application and documents for their records. The mailing address can be found on the last page of the ACM application.

Q. Do I need to mail a copy of my application to the participating institution?

A. No, the ACM application must be mailed to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) not the participating institution. It cannot be faxed or sent electronically. We strongly encourage applicants to retain a copy of the application and supporting documents for their records. The mailing address is:

Academic Common Market
State Council of Higher Education for Virginia
James Monroe Building
101 North Fourteenth Street, 9th Floor
Richmond, VA 23219

Q. How long does it take to process the application?

A. The review process takes between 4 to 6 weeks and is based on the date the application is received in our office. Although SCHEV accepts applications year-round, institutions set their individual deadline; however, SCHEV’s review will take place 4 to 6 weeks regardless of the institution’s deadline. Processing of your application will be delayed unless all questions are completed, all documentation is attached, and the application is signed and dated by the appropriate person(s). To avoid delays, it is wise to start the application process early and to allow some extra time, especially during the busy seasons. Busy times usually occur during the weeks prior to the beginning of each semester. The student is strongly advised to submit their ACM application when the official letter of acceptance or enrollment is received but no later than six (6) weeks prior to their institution’s deadline or the start of classes, whichever is earlier. For specific institutional deadlines, students must contact the institution directly. Institutional ACM liaison contact information is available on SREB’s Participating Institution website.

Q. Where can I find the application for the Academic Common Market?

A. The application for Virginia residents is available on the left side of this page and on the how to apply page.

Q. Can I submit multiple applications for certification to participate in different programs at participating institutions?

A. No, Virginia residents may submit only one application.

Q. Does Virginia notify the participating institution when the certification process is complete?

A. Yes. Students, who meet Virginia residency requirements, to participate in the ACM are provided a certification letter and a copy of the letter is also sent to the participating institution. The letter will include, but not limited to, the student’s information, major and effective date.

Q. Once I receive ACM certification, do I need to re-apply every year?

A. No. There is no need to re-apply each year as long as the student remains in the same major and retains Virginia residency.

Q. If I change my major or residency, do I automatically retain ACM status?

A. No. You must reapply for certification to our office for the change of major. The major must be approved for Virginia residents and listed in Virginia’s ACM inventory.

Q. Are distance learning programs available via the Academic Common Market?

A. Yes, distance learning or on-line degree programs are available via the Academic Common Market.

Q. Can I participate in the ACM if I am pursuing an Associate Degree, Graduate Certificate, or continuing education credits?

A. No. The ACM Program is only available for degree programs at the bachelor and graduate level. Associate degree, certificate, and non-degree programs are not included in the ACM.

Q. Are tuition waivers retroactive?

A. No. Tuition waivers and in-state tuition rates are not retroactive prior to the effective date of ACM, except at the discretion of the participating institution. Students should apply for the current term and year or the following. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the ACM liaison at the university to verify his/her term and year of eligibility before completing the application. It is highly recommended that you contact the institution prior to completing the application and submitting it to our office. Institutional ACM liaison contact information is available on SREB’s Participating Institution website.

Q. How can I find out what specific programs are available to Virginia residents via the ACM?

A. To find out if Virginia offers a specific degree program, view the Degree Search. If you discover that Virginia does not offer the program in which you are interested and you do not see it listed in the ACM offerings for Virginians, then it may be possible to add that program to the ACM offerings.

Q. My major is not on the list of approved ACM programs for Virginia residents and a four-year public institution in Virginia does not offer it or a similar major.  What can I do?

A. SCHEV accepts new program requests once a year. Only students enrolled or officially accepted into the major may submit a request. In February, the student may submit a New Program Request Form. Submission instructions and the form will be available on SCHEV’s website. ACM guidelines stipulate that only those programs that differ by at least 50% in curricular content from those offered in the state may be included. At this time, SCHEV is not accepting new program requests for consideration.

Q. How do I submit a new program request to be considered for inclusion?

A. Complete the New Program Request Form and submit it in February to be considered. At this time, SCHEV is not accepting new program requests for consideration.

Q. Will I be notified if my request to add a new program is approved or not approved for inclusion?

A. Yes. The review process varies from several months up to a year.  Once the determination is made, staff will notify the student if the program meets or does not meet eligibility for inclusion.

Q. I don’t live in Virginia, but I really want to go to school there. Am I eligible for the Academic Common Market?

A. Please check with the Academic Common Market Coordinator in your state. A list of ACM participating states and their coordinators can be accessed on SREB's website.

Q. I live in Virginia but within driving distance of Eastern Tennessee State University. My major is offered at George Mason University which is several hours away. Can I get in-state tuition at ETSU since I am so close?

A. As long as the program you wish to pursue is offered in Virginia, you may not qualify for participation in the ACM.

Q. I don’t officially get admitted to my major until I am a junior and have completed other requirements. Can I participate in the ACM now or must I wait until I get to that point?

A. Since the ACM is based on specific programs of study, you will have to wait until you are officially accepted into the program major, even though that may not be until you are a junior. You must apply for certification at that time.