What is the Academic Common Market?
The Academic Common Market is a tuition-savings agreement between the 16 southern states that are members of the Southern Regional Education Board. The program was established in 1974 by SREB to help member states avoid developing and maintaining costly academic programs through sharing resources and the exchange of students across borders at in-state rates. Delaware began participation in the ACM in 1998 when it joined SREB.

How does it work?
If your major is not offered by the University of Delaware or Delaware State University and you have been accepted to an eligible program at a participating college, you pay the in-state tuition rate of that institution.

How can I find out if my program of study is eligible?
You can check the list of eligible programs or call the Commission at 302-577-5240 or 800-292-7935 (toll-free outside New Castle County).

Who can apply?
Students who are legal residents of the 16 participating states can apply.

How do I apply?
After you have been accepted to an eligible program, mail or fax your application to the Commission with the required verification of state residency and enrollment (see application form). Once your application is approved, the Commission will send certification of your eligiblity to participate in the ACM to your college.

Which schools participate?
Many, but not all, public colleges in the 16 states offer programs of study in the ACM. There are currently over 150 participating colleges.

Are all majors at participating institutions available in the ACM?
No, participating colleges select the programs of study they will offer. However, a school will sometimes add a new program to the ACM upon request from a participating state. Contact the ACM Coordinator to send an inquiry on your behalf. First professional degree programs, such as law, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and optometry are not offered in the ACM and cannot be requested. In addition, some states and colleges have restrictions that limit requests for ACM access.

Do available programs change?
Yes, participating colleges may add or remove programs.

Are distance learning degree programs offered in the ACM?
Yes, the ACM/Electronic Campus offers students the opportunity to pursue certified degree programs via distance learning. The same eligibility requirements apply to the ACM/EC as the ACM.

Are there any other restrictions?
Yes, restrictions can be set at the discretion of the participating college or the participating state. Check with ACM Coordinator if you are uncertain about a program. Your eligibility for the ACM is dependent on your enrollment status. Students who must complete coursework before they are fully admitted to the program of study are not eligible for ACM tuition savings until they are formally accepted into the major. In addition, students must meet the ACM requirements of the college they are attending, which may include full-time enrollment and maintaining a specified GPA.

What is the deadline to apply?
You may submit your ACM application to the Commission at any time after you have been accepted to an eligible ACM program, but each college sets its deadline to accept ACM certifications.

Do I reapply each year?
No, as long as you remain continuously enrolled in the same program of study at the same school and maintain your home state residency, you do not need to reapply.

Will my ACM participation affect my financial aid?
Reducing your tuition costs can decrease your eligibility for need-based aid. However, your ACM tuition savings may be greater than the need-based aid you are awarded. ACM participants in Delaware saved an average of almost $11,000 in tuition costs last year. Your tuition savings will depend on which college you attend.

Where can I get more information about my academic program?
Contact the participating college to find out about programs, courses, admissions, costs, credit transfers, institutional financial aid, and deadlines.

Can I appeal if I believe that my out-of-state program of study is significantly different from the program(s) offered at the University of Delaware or Delaware State University?
Yes, you may file a Petition for Academic Program Portability in the spring. You must clearly demonstrate the differences in curriculum and educational outcome between your program and the program(s) at the University of Delaware and/or Delaware State University. You cannot appeal the decision of an out-of-state college that elects not to offer a program in the ACM.