An increase in tuition and fees at institutions of higher education has resulted students and their families paying for a larger portion of post-secondary education costs. Although the costs of tuition and fees are only a part of the affordability equation, many students and parents, as well as policymakers, are concerned that colleges and universities are pricing themselves beyond the reach of many families. For many students, the thought of going out of state may no longer be a reality due to these increases.

Since 1994, MHEC has been providing more affordable educational opportunities for students to attend out-of-state institutions at reduced costs. The Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) serves as the Midwest’s largest multi-state tuition reciprocity program. Over 130 campuses from the participating states of Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wisconsin have opened their doors to students at reduced rates. Public institutions enrolling students under MSEP agree to charge no more than 150% of the in-state resident tuition rate, while private institutions offer a 10% reduction on their tuition rates.

In order for a college or university to participate in MSEP, the state higher education office must endorse the program by signing the participation agreement and appointing a representative to the MSEP Council. This agreement allows any institution in that state to voluntarily join MSEP. Institutions participating in MSEP have the ability to tailor the program to their individual campus needs. For example, an institution may select only those degree programs it wishes to increase enrollment in and limit the programs that are already popular among students. The admission requirements are set by each campus along with the available programs of study.

When MSEP began in 1994, only 366 students were participating across the Midwest. As of the 2002-2003 school year over 2,600 students are now enrolled as MSEP students. Since 1994, 19,592 students and families have saved $60.6 million in tuition, an annual per student average of $3,091. According to a survey of MSEP students completed in 2000, the vast majority of students used MSEP as a factor in making their college decision. In addition, the admissions counselors at the MSEP institutions are the best source of information about MSEP and the reduced tuition benefits that it offers. More and more campuses are using MSEP to attract out-of-state students by offering them an affordable solution.

Through the Midwest Student Exchange Program educational opportunities of students in the Midwest have been expanding, thus promoting access and affordability in higher education, which remains a priority for the Midwestern Higher Education Compact.
For more details on the Midwest Student Exchange Program click here.