Academic Common Market: For Residents of North Carolina and Other Southern States
The Academic Common Market (ACM) is an arrangement for residents of the southeastern states whose own state doesn't have an academic degree program they need. Through the ACM they pursue the degree (if it is offered and eligible) in another state, at that state's in-state tuition rate.
North Carolina and two other states (Florida and Texas) participate at the graduate level only (master's and doctoral degree programs). Residents of those states may not pursue baccalaureate degrees through the ACM, nor may residents of the other participating states pursue baccalaureate degrees there through the ACM.
The ACM is sponsored by the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). Another SREB arrangement covers selected first professional degree programs in schools of dentistry, medicine, optometry, osteopathic medicine, podiatry, and veterinary medicine: the Regional Contract Program (RCP). North Carolina participates in the RCP for the study of optometry. Prospective North Carolina participants must apply through the College Foundation of North Carolina.
To participate in the ACM, students must apply through their own state's office of the ACM State Coordinator.
For North Carolinians:
Have you first looked in UNC's web inventory of approved academic degree programs? (Or at UNC Online?) The master's or doctoral degree program you need is probably listed there. Excellent education at North Carolina's in-state tuition rates is every North Carolinian's first choice!
For further information about the UNC-ACM and an application form, click on the graphic:
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For Residents of Other Participating States:
For further information about the ACM and contact information for applying, click on the graphic:
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Resources at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)