Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a deadline for submitting my ACM application to THEC?
A: No, our agency does not have a deadline for application submission. However, a number of institutions have internal deadlines that must be followed. We suggest you contact the institution’s ACM coordinator to determine if there is an internal ACM deadline. You can find institutional ACM coordinators on SREB’s website. Processing residency certification applications can take 2-4 weeks.
Q: Is it necessary for me to reapply each year for ACM? Once certified, is there anything that can disqualify me from continuing to use ACM?
A: No, residency certification is a one-time-only procedure. However, you must remain enrolled in an ACM-eligible major and maintain your residency classification, full-time status, and good academic standing. If you decide to withdraw, take a leave, or change majors, understand that the program may no longer be eligible to be included in the ACM when you seek to be recertified. If a student is placed on academic probation or dismissed, it is the discretion of the institution to reinstate ACM access.
Q: I want to nominate a program for the ACM inventory. How do I know if the program I want to nominate is already offered at a public university in Tennessee?
A: You can search for programs by major name and/or by institution using THEC’s searchable Academic Program Inventory (API).
Q: A previously eligible program I am interested in is no longer listed on SREB’s website. Why?
A: Participation in ACM is completely voluntary and sometimes institutions or states decide to remove ACM access for out-of-state students seeking admissions. Further, as new program development occurs at in-state institutions, they can request for out-of-state programs to be removed if a new program is 51% similar to the out-of-state offering. ACM coordinators at public institutions within the state review ACM programs eligible for Tennessee residents annually, but may request a program be removed at any time (with a reasonable phase-out period).
Q: How does being a military-affiliated student impact residency certification?
A: The Rules of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission offer the following provisions for military-affiliated students:
- An unemancipated person whose parent is not domiciled in this State but whose parent is a member of the armed forces and stationed in this State or at Fort Campbell pursuant to military orders shall be classified out-of-state but shall be permitted to participate in Commission programs as if they were classified in-state. Such person’s status, while in continuous attendance toward the degree for which he or she is currently enrolled, shall not be affected should his or her parent thereafter be transferred on military orders (1540-1-1- .06).
- Military personnel and their spouses stationed in the State of Tennessee who would be classified out-of-state in accordance with other provisions of these regulations will be classified out-of-state but shall be permitted to participate in Commission programs as if they were classified in-state. This provision shall not apply to military personnel and their spouses who are stationed in this State primarily for educational purposes.
Q: What parameters determine residency status and certification?
A: Residency status is determined by THEC Rules and the Tennessee Code Annotated and depends on the current domicile of the student (as opposed to past residency statuses or the status of a parent or guardian). Owning property/businesses or working in Tennessee does not determine residency status, nor does moving to Tennessee prior to the start of classes. For more details on residency certification, see the “residency certification” tab.
Q: I am already enrolled in an ACM approved major, but I just found out about the program. Can I still apply?
A: Yes, you can apply for participation in the ACM at any time. However, certifications are made for the next semester, so you will not receive a retroactive tuition reduction. Further, be sure to check institutional deadlines for certification, as that will dictate when ACM is applied toward your tuition.
Q: If I change my major to a different program that is not available in my home state, can I still pay reduced tuition through Academic Common Market?
A: If you change your major to another ACM-eligible program, you need to be recertified by your state coordinator. ACM certifications are valid only for the specific institution and major stated on the form.
Q: I would like to use ACM to attend an out-of-state institution. Will I still be eligible to receive other Tennessee scholarships, such as HOPE?
A: No. By participating in the ACM and attending an institution outside of the state, students forfeit their eligibility for other state-administered scholarships, including all Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship (TELS) programs (HOPE, GAMS, ASPIRE, and Access).
Q: What happens if I change my major from an ACM-eligible program to one that is not ACM-eligible? Do I have to pay back the money I saved through the ACM?
A: If you change your major during a semester, the institution may charge you the out-of-state tuition rate for that semester. You will lose ACM benefits and pay out-of-state tuition for all following semesters. Most institutions will not require you to pay back tuition for the time you received ACM benefits.
Q: What if I am not officially admitted to the program until I am a junior or have completed pre-requisite requirements?
A: Residency certification for ACM benefits requires admission into an eligible program, so if admission to your program occurs at the junior level or higher, you must apply for certification at that time.