The Southern States Tuition Agreement: What It Is and How It Benefits Students
For students planning to attend college in one of the southern states, the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) has a tuition program that could save them thousands of dollars. The program is known as the Southern States Tuition Agreement, or SSTP, and it enables students to attend out-of-state colleges and universities at a reduced cost.
The SSTP was created in 1987 as a means of increasing educational opportunities for students in the southern region. It is a reciprocal agreement between participating states that allows students to pay in-state tuition rates at out-of-state public institutions, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
To be eligible for the SSTP, students must be legal residents of one of the 16 participating states. They must also be enrolled in a degree program that is not available in their home state, or that is available but has limited enrollment capacity. Additionally, students must meet the admission requirements of the institution they wish to attend and must maintain satisfactory academic progress.
The SSTP is particularly beneficial for students who live in states with a limited number of public institutions or who are seeking a specific program of study that is not available in their home state. For example, a student from Mississippi who wishes to study oceanography may find that the only public institution in their state that offers this program has limited enrollment capacity. By participating in the SSTP, they can apply to out-of-state institutions that offer the program and pay in-state tuition rates.
The SSTP has proven to be a popular program, with thousands of students taking advantage of it each year. In fact, in the 2018-19 academic year alone, more than 20,000 students utilized the program. Participating states include Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
In addition to offering students reduced tuition rates, the SSTP can also benefit institutions by increasing their enrollment and diversity. Colleges and universities that participate in the program can attract a wider pool of applicants from across the southern region, and can offer programs to students who may not have been able to attend otherwise.
In conclusion, the Southern States Tuition Agreement is an excellent opportunity for students in the southern region to gain access to out-of-state institutions and programs at reduced costs. By taking advantage of this program, students can expand their educational opportunities and achieve their academic goals. If you are a student in a participating state, be sure to check if the SSTP could be the right option for you.