Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP)

Reduced Tuition for Out-of-State Students

Providing world-class education at an affordable price is central to the mission of IU Columbus. That's why we offer multiple programs for students living outside of Indiana that can help you save more than $64,000 in tuition during your academic career at IU Columbus, reducing your tuition closer to our current in-state rate.

So what does that mean for you? It means you can enroll at IU Columbus as an out-of-state student and reduce your tuition closer to our current in-student rate.

Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP)

IU Columbus participates in the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP), a multistate tuition reciprocity program established by the Midwestern Higher Education Compact. Residents of select Midwest states who have a minimum GPA of 2.75 or higher will automatically receive our Midwest Student Exchange Program Award, which represents a 56.9% reduction in out-of-state tuition at IU Columbus. 

Participating states:

Kansas | Minnesota | Missouri | Nebraska | North Dakota | Ohio | Wisconsin

Student Excellence Awards for Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, and Puerto Rico residents

Undergraduate residents of Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, and Puerto Rico who are admitted to IU Columbus for the fall 2022 term (or later) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 will receive our Student Excellence Award. Similar to the Midwest Student Exchange Program, these will be automatically awarded at the time of admission, and provide students with an award accounting for a 56.9% reduction in out-of-state tuition.

Academic eligibility for out-of-state tuition reduction

Who is eligible for a out-of-state tuition award?

To be eligible for a out-of-state tuition award, you must reside in one of the participating states and be admitted to IU Columbus as an undergraduate degree-seeking student. This includes full- and part-time traditional undergraduate students, transfer students, second-degree students, and returning adult students.

Appealing your eligibility

If you believe you are eligible for a out-of-state award but you did not receive it, you can file an appeal with the Office of the Registrar.

You are not eligible for a out-of-state tuition award if:

  • You are enrolled in an online degree program
  • You are enrolled in a dual degree program through a different university
  • You have received Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status
  • You are a out-of-state student who is eligible to receive in-state tuition

Other important information about eligibility

Out-of-state tuition awards do not cover tuition costs at other IU campuses—you must be enrolled in classes on the IU Columbus campus for it to be applied. For example, if you take a course at another IU campus during the summer, an out-of-state tuition award does not cover the tuition cost for that course.

The award does cover:

  • Online courses taken as part of your on-campus degree program
  • Summer courses taken on the IU Columbus campus
International student eligibility

If you reside in a participating state and have one of these immigration statuses, you may qualify for an out-of-state tuition award: A-1, A-2, A-3, E-1, E-2, E-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, H-1B, H-4, I, L-1, L-2, O-1, O-3, V-1, V-2, V-3, or pending I-485 beneficiary.

How do I apply for an out-of-state tuition award?

There is no application process for out-of-state tuition awards. If you live in one of the participating states, you automatically qualify for the award upon admission to IU Columbus.

Find out how to apply for admission to IU Columbus