Tuition reciprocity agreements allow students from one state to attend a public college or university in another state for reduced or in-state tuition rates. Tuition reciprocity can be a great option for students who want to cross state lines to attend college but can’t afford expensive out-of-state tuition prices.
Learn how tuition reciprocity works, the states that have reciprocity agreements, and how to qualify.
What Is Tuition Reciprocity?
Tuition reciprocity is an agreement that lets students in participating states attend college or university in other participating states for a discounted tuition or the in-state tuition rate rather than the out-of-state tuition fee.
This can be a significant savings because out-of-state tuition is typically far higher than in-state tuition. In 2023-2024, the average in-state tuition rate at four-year public institutions was $11,260, while the average out-of-state tuition was $29,150 — or 159% more expensive. Tuition reciprocity can be a valuable way to make college more affordable.
With a lower tuition rate, an individual may end up with less student loan debt since theoretically they wouldn’t need to take out as much in federal or private student loans.
How Does Tuition Reciprocity Work?
Tuition reciprocity agreements are offered by states throughout the country, though not every state has them. Generally, states with these agreements border each other or are located in the same geographic region. Students who are residents of one of the participating states and go to school in another participating state may be eligible for these programs, which can make it easier to cover the cost of attendance.
Tuition reciprocity isn’t automatic, however. It depends on factors like the type of school you’re applying to, the degree program you’re interested in, and whether you can qualify for tuition reciprocity through that degree program. For instance, to qualify, you might need to pursue a major that’s not offered by colleges in your home state.
Contact the schools you’re considering to learn more about their in-state tuition information and how their tuition reciprocity process works.
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Public vs. Private Colleges
Tuition reciprocity is more common at public institutions than it is at private colleges. While some private schools do have reciprocity agreements, the reduced or discounted tuition rate they offer is typically much less than it is at public colleges.
Which States Have Tuition Reciprocity Agreements?
Many states have tuition reciprocity agreements, and there are networks of these programs in different regions of the country. Here are some of them.
Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP)
The Midwest Student Exchange Program offers reduced tuition at more than 70 public colleges and universities for students from the following Midwestern states:
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Wisconsin
Students who are able to take advantage of MSEP save an average of $7,000 a year on tuition.
New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) Tuition Break Program
Permanent residents of the states listed below who are enrolled in an eligible degree program at a two- or four-year public college or university in New England may be able to save an average of $8,600 a year in tuition through the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) Tuition Break Program.
• Connecticut
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• New Hampshire
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
Academic Common Market (ACM)
The Academic Common Market of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) offers in-state tuition rates at more than 2,200 undergraduate and graduate programs at over 100 public institutions across the southeast. ACM typically saves students more than $14,000 per year.
The participating states are:
• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Delaware
• Florida (only participates at the graduate level)
• Georgia
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Mississippi
• Oklahoma
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas (only participates at the graduate level)
• Virginia
• West Virginia
Regional Contract Program
• Arkansas• Delaware
• Georgia
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• South Carolina
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)
More than 160 public colleges and universities in the states below participate in this program. On average, students save $11,000 a year through WUE.
• Alaska
• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
• Guam
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• North Dakota
• Oregon
• South Dakota
• Utah
• Washington
• Wyoming
Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP)
Those going to grad school at a public university in one of the following states may be able to take advantage of a graduate student reciprocity agreement through the The Western Regional Graduate Program. Students who are eligible for WRGP can save an average of $14,000 a year.
• Alaska
• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• U.S. Pacific Territories and Freely Associated States
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• North Dakota
• Oregon
• South Dakota
• Utah
• Washington
• Wyoming
Professional Student Exchange Program (PSEP)
Aimed at students pursuing careers in health fields, this program may help them save between $8,900 to $35,700 per year on tuition. The following states and territories participate in PSEP:
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands
• Colorado
• Guam
• Hawaii
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• North Dakota
• Utah
• Wyoming
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What Are the Advantages of Tuition Reciprocity?
By qualifying for tuition reciprocity, you can reap a number of benefits, namely substantial savings on your college education. The advantages of tuition reciprocity include:
• A tuition rate that could be half of what you’d pay as an out-of-state student. Over four years, that may result in tens of thousands of dollars saved.
• The opportunity to pursue an academic degree you might otherwise not be able to afford. Some tuition reciprocity programs can even put graduate school within reach.
• Less college debt to repay. With a significantly lower tuition rate, you likely won’t have to take out as much in student loans to help fill the gap. And once you graduate, you could consider student loan refinancing for your private student loans to potentially save even more money if you can qualify for a lower interest rate or better terms.
Applying for Tuition Reciprocity
To take advantage of a tuition reciprocity program, you’ll need to be a resident of one of the participating states and planning to go to school in another participating state. There may be other eligibility criteria as well, such as living in your state of residence for a certain number of years. Check with the program to see what the specific requirements are.
Next, find out if tuition reciprocity is available at the school(s) you’re interested in. If it is, learn how the process works. The application process may differ from school to school. For instance, you might need to be accepted to a school first and then separately apply for the tuition reciprocity program. Ask your school’s admissions or financial aid office about the details.
The Takeaway
Tuition reciprocity can significantly reduce college costs by giving eligible students access to reduced or in-state tuition rates. Check to see what programs are available in your state or region, what the eligibility criteria are, and if the schools you are interested in participate in the program.
By taking advantage of tuition reciprocity, you may have less student loan debt to repay when you graduate. And there’s the possibility to refinance your student loans in the future for better rates and terms if you choose to, which may also help you save money on your education.
Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.
FAQ
What states have reciprocity for in-state tuition?
Many states across the country offer tuition reciprocity. Check with your state as well as any school you’re considering to see if they participate in such a program. Public colleges and universities are more likely to offer tuition reciprocity than private schools are.
How do tuition reciprocity agreements work?
Tuition reciprocity agreements allow students to get reduced or in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities in another state for significant savings. Students who are residents of one of the participating states and go to school in another participating state may be eligible.
What is reciprocity as it relates to tuition?
Tuition reciprocity is an agreement that allows students who live in one participating state to attend a college or university in another participating state for reduced or in-state tuition rates, which are typically substantially lower than out-of-state rates.
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