ACM Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the Academic Common Market?

A. The Academic Common Market (ACM) is an agreement between 16 states (AL, AR, DE, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV) of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) that allows students to pursue degrees in a field not offered by the institutions in their own respective states. Students can enroll in other SREB states at in-state tuition rates. The states of FL, NC 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 full-time student enrolled in the pursuit of a degree; must have a letter of acceptance 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.

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

A. ACM certification is only available to full-time students seeking a degree.

Q. What is the application process?

A. The application process varies from state to state. In Virginia, students must complete the ACM Application Form available at http://www.schev.edu/Students/AcademicCommonMkt.asp. Applications require an original signature, must be notarized, and mailed via U.S. Mail. Electronic or faxed applications will not be accepted. The application form lists the necessary documentation that must accompany it.

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

A. Because the application must be notarized and requires an original signature, it can not be faxed or sent electronically.

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

A. The application process takes between three and four weeks. An incomplete application will delay the process of certification. Although applications are accepted year-round, institutions set their individual deadlines for designation as an ACM student. To avoid delays, it is wise to start the application process early and to allow some extra times, especially during the busy seasons. Busy times usually occur during the weeks prior to the beginning of each semester.

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

A. The application for Virginia residents is available at http://www.schev.edu/Students/AcademicCommonMkt.asp.

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

A. There is no need to re-apply each year as long as the student remains in the same program, keeps the same major, stays in the same school, retains Virginia residency, and maintains the school’s required GPA.

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

A. Distance learning degree programs are available via the ACM Electronic Campus. The eligibility requirements for the ACM Electronic Campus are the same as those of the ACM.

Q. Can I participate in the ACM if I am pursuing a Graduate Certificate or continuing education credits?

A. The ACM Program is only available for degree programs at the bachelor or graduate levels. Certificate and non-degree programs are not included in the ACM.

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 Inventory. 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 (see http://www.schev.edu/Students/AcademicCommonMkt.asp, then it may be possible to add that program to the ACM offerings. At this time, SCHEV is not processing any new requests for additions to the inventory of out of state programs available to Virginia residents through the ACM. This restriction will remain in effect until further notice.

Q. The program I want is not offered in Virginia and it is not on the list of approved programs for Virginia residents. What can I do?

A. In order to discover if it is possible to add your program of interest to those available to Virginia residents via the ACM, you must contact the ACM Coordinator for Virginia. The Coordinator and the participating institutions in Virginia will review the program’s curricula, course descriptions, and credit hour requirements. 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 processing any new requests for additions to the inventory of out of state programs available to Virginia residents through the ACM. This restriction will remain in effect until further notice.

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. For a listing of ACM participating states and their coordinators, please go to www.sreb.org.

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.