Resources

Quick Links

• Apply to ACM
• Approved programs
• How KEES money works with ACM
• Denied programs

Guiding Legislation

• Determination of Residency Status for Admission and Tuition Assessment Purposes - 13 KAR 2:045
• Administrative hearing procedures for determination of residency status - 13 KAR 2:070

 

Academic Common Market

Overview

With the heavy push to secure a college degree combined with the increasing cost of college, families face tough decisions: how to pay for college without excessive student loan debt. For Kentucky students pursuing degree programs not offered in state, out-of-state tuition rates could cost twice as much as in state. Academic Common Market provides in-state tuition rates for approved degree programs offered by select institutions in participating states.

The Council, as part of the Southern Regional Education Board, participates in the Academic Common Market. This program provides discounted tuition for degree programs at select schools in participating states. To qualify for ACM, students prove residency in Kentucky and select an approved degree program not offered in state. More than 230 undergraduate and graduate programs are available to Kentucky residents.

ACM Application Process

Selecting the Program/School

To begin the process, the student needs make sure their program/institution is approved for ACM. If so, the first step is applying to the school. 

Effective immediately, University of Tennessee – Knoxville is no longer participating in the ACM at the undergraduate level.  ACM access is limited to graduate programs only.

All students currently enrolled in undergraduate degrees at UTK via the ACM program are grandfathered in until they graduate. However, students cannot stop out or change majors with the expectation that they can return to the same undergraduate degree, as undergraduate degrees are no longer ACM eligible at UTK.

Helpful Links

• Approved programs
• How KEES money works with ACM
• Denied programs
• Application process

Apply to Kentucky ACM through the Portal

Once accepted, the student will begin Kentucky's ACM application process using the ACM application portal.

The portal will require the student to set up an account, complete the application and upload the following documents.

• A copy of the acceptance letter from the institution.
• Electronic copies of the student's most recent KY tax returns to show residency. If the student is a dependent, they will need the tax forms of their parents, caregiver or legal guardian.

Next Steps

Once the application process is complete, including submission of all required documentation, it can take up to six weeks for ACM staff to process the application.

Help During the Process

• Contact CPE about the application process or problems with the portal:
  • Email
  • Phone: 502-573-1555 (M-F, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET)
• Contact KHEAA about KEES and other financial aid/scholarship questions:
  • kees@kheaa.com
  • Phone: 502-696-7397

How ACM benefits Kentuckians

College affordability is a big concern for Kentucky families. More than 100 colleges and universities from 15 SREB states participate, helping reduce tuition worries by making a degree at an out-of-state campus more affordable.

Information about Academic Common Market

• Frequently asked questions
• State contacts