Students Save $10,000 in Tuition Next Year
Academic Common Market Helps Families Statewide Afford College
Wilmington, Del.–March 3, 2006If your major field of study is not offered at the University of Delaware or Delaware State University,you may be eligible for in-state tuition rates at one of 130 southern public colleges that participatein the Academic Common Market (ACM). In 2005, eligible Delaware residents in programs such as architecture at the University of Maryland and library science at Florida State University saved an average of $9,770 annually in tuition costs.
ACM is a tuition savings agreement among the 16 member states of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB).Public colleges in SREB states that elect to participate in the ACM select the programs of study they will offer. Both baccalaureate and graduate-level programs are offered in the ACMwith more than 130 public colleges participating. First professional degree programs—such as pharmacy,law, dentistry, and medicine—are not included in the ACM.
In Delaware, the ACM program is administered by the Delaware Higher Education Commission (DHEC).Cynthia Kirkpatrick, ACM state coordinator, has worked with the program since Delaware joined SREB in 1998.“Since then we have certified nearly 400 students at 50 participating colleges in 15 states.I’ve had the pleasure of talking with many happy students and parents over the years.”
Mary Geneva is one of those happy parents. Her daughter, Ariana, graduated from Cab Calloway School of the Arts in 2004and enrolled at the University of Memphis in the music business industry program that fall.As an ACM student, Ariana has saved over $18,000 in tuition costs so far. Without the savings,her mother doubts that Ariana’s dream of being a tour and artist promoter would be realized.“As a single parent who will have two children in college at the same time,out-of-state tuition was simply not possible.” Ariana’s brother, Ted,who wants to major in aerospace engineering when he starts college next fall may be eligible for the ACM as well.
ACM students have been enrolled in baccalaureate programs in acting, architecture, dance, dental hygiene,equine science, forensic science, filmmaking, forest resource management, hearing and speech sciences,interior design, marine science, materials science and engineering, and other majors not offered at Delaware State University or the University of Delaware. Students in master’s programs in architecture,education of the deaf and hard of hearing, library and information science, occupational therapy,and speech language pathology have also received ACM tuition savings.Doctoral students in anthropology, audiology, nursing, occupational therapy,and theatre design/arts administration have benefited, as well.
“The Academic Common Market helps Delaware students attain post-secondary education goals that they might have not been able to afford,” stated Education Secretary Valerie A. Woodruff.“This wonderful partnership with SREB and the Academic Common Market offers college-bound students financial assistance they need to pursue their academic dreams.”
In addition to the ACM campus-based programs, the ACM/Electronic Campus offers distance learning opportunities.There are currently four undergraduate and 16 graduate-level degree programs available to Delaware residents.Working adults who are pursuing degrees such as the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene,Master of Library Science, and Doctorate of Nursing Practice can complete their degree and receive the ACM tuition savings while remaining employed in their current job.
SREB is the nation’s first interstate compact for education. Founded in 1948 by southern leaders in business,education and government, SREB works to improve every aspect of education from early childhood to doctoral degrees and beyond. More than 2,000 students in the 16 member states are certified each year for the ACM.
The participating states are Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland,Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.Florida, North Carolina and Texas offer graduate-level programs only.
Students and parents with questions about the ACM are encouraged to contact DHEC at(302) 577-5240 or (800) 292-7935 (toll-free outside New Castle County).Program guidelines, a list of participating institutions and eligible programs,and the application form are available online at http://www.doe.k12.de.us/high-ed/.
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Delaware's Department of Education is committed to promoting the highest quality education
for every Delaware student by providing visionary leadership and superior service.
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Contact Info.
Alison Kepner Delaware Department of Education 401 Federal Street, Suite #2 Dover, Delaware 19901 Phone: (302) 735-4035 Fax: (302) 739-4654 Email: akepner@doe.k12.de.us |
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