Tuition Exchange Program

Tuition Exchange is a reciprocal scholarship program for children and other family members of faculty and staff employed at over 546 participating institutions. The Tuition Exchange, Inc., a non-profit association, serves higher education by making careers at colleges and universities more attractive.

Is a Scholarship Guaranteed to All Eligible Applicants?

No - Family members eligible for Tuition Exchange Scholarships are not guaranteed an award.

Scholarships are not fringe benefits; they are competitive awards. Even if you and your family are eligible to apply for an award, you may not receive an award because each institution is obligated to maintain a balance between students sent on the exchange (exports) and students received on the exchange (imports).

How Competitive is the Admissions Process?

Tuition Exchange Scholarships are competitive. In addition to meeting the admissions requirements of the receiving institution, some member institutions have established additional requirements such as higher entrance standards or limit awards to just a few new students each year. To avoid disappointment, file your application early, in addition to applying to your first choice schools, you may also wish to apply to one or two schools that offer scholarships to a large proportion of the applicants (See Selecting a School on the Tuition Exchange web site).

How Many Semesters Does the Scholarship Cover?

Most scholarships cover four years (eight semesters) of undergraduate education, but institutions have the right to limit the duration of a scholarship, for example, to two years of support (four semesters).

What Must a Student Do to Retain a Scholarship?

Students must meet the institution's standards for academic performance and personal conduct. The family member whose employment conveyed eligibility for a scholarship must continue to meet the exporting university’s eligibility criteria.

What Is the Dollar Value of The Scholarship?

Most scholarships cover full tuition, but not special fees, course overloads, or room and board charges. For 2008-2009, institutions that charge more than $26,800 for tuition are permitted to award less than their full tuition, but not less than $26,800. Schools with tuition lower than $26,800 must offer their full tuition. Some colleges with lower tuition increase the monetary value of the scholarship by covering other expenses, such as room and/or board in their awards. The section of the Tuition Exchange web site titled "Selecting a School" contains information indicating which schools offer more than basic tuition. Some member institutions reduce their scholarships by the amount of federal and state grants awarded to a student, whether or not these are based on financial need. Some states require that special fees be charged to out-of-state students. The Tuition Exchange Application/Certification Form notifying you of your award should provide specific details, but if you are confused, seek clarification by asking questions before you accept the scholarship.

What Is The Role of Tuition Exchange, Inc.?

The Tuition Exchange, Inc. is a nonprofit association based in Washington, DC which promotes and maintains the Exchange on behalf of its members. Scholarships are granted by member institutions, not by The Tuition Exchange, Inc. The officers and directors of the Tuition Exchange, Inc. disclaim responsibility for any misunderstandings among applicants, participants, and institutions concerning the value and duration of scholarships or circumstances which might result in early termination of such scholarships. The Tuition Exchange partnership continues to seek ways to make scholarships more widely available to qualified applicants and to strengthen the exchange by adding new members. Your suggestions and comments are welcomed.