Spend a semester or year at another university while staying on track for graduation. Explore new places, meet new people, and experience college in a way few students ever do.
What is NSE?
Experience a Different University Without Delaying Your Degree
The National Student Exchange (NSE) allows UTRGV students to study at another participating university for a semester or full academic year while continuing to earn credits toward their degree. Instead of studying abroad, NSE gives students the opportunity to experience a new region, campus culture, and academic environment within the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Whether you're looking for new academic opportunities, personal growth, or the chance to live somewhere completely different, NSE makes it possible to explore another campus while staying on track for graduation.
Quick Highlights
- Study Away - Attend another university while remaining a UTRGV student.
- Earn Transferable Credits - Continue making progress toward your degree.
- Choose From 170+ Campuses - Explore universities across North America and U.S. territories.
- Stay Financially Flexible - Financial aid and tuition exchange options may be available.
How is NSE Different From Study Abroad?
NSE is a domestic exchange program, meaning students study at another university within the NSE network rather than traveling internationally. Students receive the benefits of living and studying in a new environment while remaining connected to their home institution and degree plan.
Important Tuition Note
NSE offers two tuition options:
- Home Tuition Plan – Pay tuition to UTRGV while attending another NSE campus.
- Host Tuition Plan – Pay tuition directly to the university you attend during your exchange.
Your available options depend on the host institution and exchange placement. Learn more here.
Why Participate?
Discover a New Place - Build a New Perspective
College is one of the few times in life when you can live somewhere completely different without putting your future on hold. Through the National Student Exchange, students can experience a new region, campus culture, and community while continuing to make progress toward their degree.
Whether you want to study near the mountains, experience life in a major city, explore a coastal campus, or attend a university with unique academic opportunities, NSE allows you to step outside your comfort zone and make your college experience something truly memorable.
What Can You Gain From NSE?
- Explore a New Part of the Country - Experience life beyond South Texas by living and studying in a completely different environment. From bustling cities to mountain towns and coastal communities, every destination offers something unique.
- Access New Academic Opportunities - Take courses, use facilities, and learn from faculty at another institution. Some students choose campuses that offer specialized programs, research opportunities, or experiences not available at their home university.
- Build Independence and Confidence - Living in a new place challenges you to adapt, solve problems, and navigate unfamiliar situations—skills that remain valuable long after graduation.
- Meet New People and Cultures - Connect with students from different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences while expanding your personal and professional network.
- Strengthen Your Resume - Employers and graduate schools value students who demonstrate adaptability, initiative, and a willingness to pursue new experiences.
- Stay on Track for Graduation - Unlike taking time away from school, NSE allows students to continue earning transferable credits while working toward their degree requirements.
It's More Than A Semester Away
NSE is more than studying at another university. It is an opportunity to challenge yourself, explore new possibilities, and create experiences that can shape your academic, professional, and personal future.
Where Can You Go?
Your Next Campus Could Be Almost Anywhere
Through the National Student Exchange, UTRGV students can study at more than 170 participating universities across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Whether you're looking for a large urban campus, a university surrounded by mountains, a coastal community, or a culturally unique destination, NSE offers opportunities to experience college in a completely new environment while continuing to earn credits toward your degree.
More Than A New Campus
Every NSE destination offers something different. Whether your goal is academic exploration, professional development, outdoor adventure, or personal growth, NSE allows you to discover a new place while continuing your journey toward graduation.
Student Experiences
Hear From Students Who Took Their College Experience Beyond UTRGV
Every National Student Exchange journey is different. Some students choose NSE to explore a new region, others pursue unique academic opportunities, and many simply want to experience life somewhere new.
No matter where they go, students return with new perspectives, meaningful connections, and memories that last long after graduation.
“My exchange program was a defining chapter that completely reshaped who I am.”
“Stepping out of my comfort zone and into an entirely new environment challenged me to adapt quickly to a different lifestyle, having personal growth along the way. I’m returning home stronger, more independent, and incredibly grateful for everything.”
Everything You Need to Prepare for Your Study-Away Experience
Once you've decided to pursue the National Student Exchange, planning ahead is the key to a successful experience. From eligibility requirements and application deadlines to housing, financial aid, and credit transfers, this section provides the information you'll need to navigate the exchange process with confidence.
Whether you're just beginning to explore your options or preparing to submit your application, UTRGV's NSE team is here to help guide you every step of the way.
What You'll Find in This Section
- Eligibility Requirements - Learn who can participate and the academic requirements needed to apply.
- Application Process - Follow the step-by-step process from your initial meeting to final placement.
- Important Deadlines - Stay on track with application and placement timelines.
- Costs & Financial Aid - Understand tuition options, fees, housing costs, and available financial aid resources.
- Housing - Learn about living arrangements and what to expect at your host institution.
- Credit Transfers - See how coursework completed through NSE applies toward your degree.
- Frequently Asked Questions - Find answers to common questions from prospective exchange students.
- Contact & Advising - Connect with the NSE Coordinator for personalized guidance and support.
Ready to Begin?
The sooner you start planning, the more exchange opportunities may be available to you. We strongly encourage interested students to meet with the NSE Coordinator first to discuss eligibility, destination options, and academic planning.
Eligibility Requirements
Are You Eligible to Participate in NSE?
To participate in the National Student Exchange, students must meet certain academic and enrollment requirements established by UTRGV and the NSE program. Eligibility requirements help ensure students are prepared for a successful exchange experience.
While requirements may vary slightly depending on the host institution, most applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Be a Currently Enrolled UTRGV Student - Students must be actively enrolled at UTRGV and in good standing with the university.
- Meet Academic Requirements - Students must maintain the minimum GPA required by UTRGV and any additional requirements established by their desired host institution.
- Have Completed the Required Coursework - Some host universities may require students to complete specific courses or reach a certain academic level before participating.
- Be in Good Academic and Disciplinary Standing - Students must demonstrate responsible academic progress and comply with university policies.
- Plan Ahead - Students should have enough remaining coursework in their degree plan to benefit from a semester or year-long exchange experience.
If you checked most of these criteria, you're likely a strong candidate for NSE. Contact the NSE Coordinator to discuss your options.
Additional Considerations
Some host campuses may have additional requirements related to:
- Academic major or program
- Minimum GPA standards
- Class standing (sophomore, junior, etc.)
- Specific course prerequisites
- Housing policies
- Program capacity limitations
Students are encouraged to discuss their academic goals and destination preferences with the NSE Coordinator early in the planning process.
Not Sure If You Qualify?
Meeting with the NSE Coordinator is the best way to determine your eligibility and explore exchange opportunities that align with your academic goals.
Application Process
Your Path to an NSE Experience
Applying for the National Student Exchange involves more than submitting an application. You’ll work with UTRGV, NSE, and eventually your host campus to make sure your exchange fits your academic plans, finances, and degree progress.
Start planning early. Beginning 6–12 months before your intended exchange term gives you more time to explore campuses, compare costs, review courses, and complete required approvals.
Step 1: Meet with the NSE Coordinator
Start by meeting with the UTRGV NSE Coordinator. The coordinator can explain UTRGV’s application and selection process and help you determine whether NSE fits your academic and personal goals.
During your meeting, you can discuss:
- NSE and UTRGV eligibility requirements
- Potential host campuses
- Academic and degree planning
- Tuition and financial aid
- Application requirements and fees
- Placement considerations
- Important deadlines
Recommended Timeline: Begin 6–12 months before your intended exchange term.
Step 2: Explore Host Campuses
Research NSE member campuses and identify several options that fit your academic, financial, and personal goals.
When comparing campuses, consider:
- Available courses and academic programs
- GPA or program-specific requirements
- Campus size and location
- Housing and meal plan costs
- Transportation and travel expenses
- Student life and campus resources
- Available NSE tuition plans
- Placement restrictions or limitations
Important: Each NSE member campus may have different requirements. Some academic programs may require a higher GPA, portfolio, audition, or other additional qualifications. Review the Conditions section of each NSE Member Campus Profile carefully before selecting your preferred campuses.
Step 3: Complete the NSE Application
Once you are ready to apply, complete the National Student Exchange application and any additional requirements established by UTRGV.
Application materials may include:
- Academic information or transcripts
- Personal or goal statements
- Campus preferences
- Letters of recommendation
- Biographical information
- Additional supporting documents
- A personal interview, if required
Application Fee: $150
The application fee is nonrefundable. Payment of the fee does not guarantee selection or placement.
Note: Selection is not guaranteed. NSE participation is a privilege rather than a right. Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements and submitting an application does not guarantee that you will be selected by UTRGV or placed at one of your requested campuses.
Step 4: UTRGV Reviews Your Application
Each NSE member institution selects its own students for outgoing exchange.
UTRGV will review your application to determine whether you meet:
- NSE eligibility requirements
- UTRGV requirements
- Academic and conduct standards
- Any additional requirements associated with your requested campuses or programs
Your NSE Coordinator will guide you through any additional UTRGV selection requirements.
Step 5: Receive Your NSE Placement
If selected by UTRGV, your placement request is submitted through NSE.
Placement depends on factors such as:
- Campus availability
- Your ranked campus choices
- Host-campus restrictions
- Academic requirements
- Available tuition plans
- Program-specific limitations
Once placed, you will receive information about your host campus and the next steps required to accept and prepare for your exchange.
Placement is not the end of the process. You will still need to complete academic approvals and your host institution's enrollment requirements.
Step 6: Complete the NSE Transfer Evaluation Form
Before finalizing your courses, work with your academic department to determine how courses taken at your NSE host institution will transfer back to UTRGV.
For each proposed course, you will need to provide the corresponding course description from the NSE partner institution. The Transfer Evaluation Form requires approval from the appropriate Department Chair and College Dean to establish whether the course has a UTRGV equivalent.
Your form will identify:
- NSE partner university course
- Whether the course is approved
- Corresponding UTRGV course number
- Corresponding UTRGV course title
Approval on the Transfer Evaluation Form establishes course equivalency, but does not mean that the course will necessarily count toward your specific degree requirements.
Students should therefore work with their academic advisor to confirm how approved courses fit into their degree plan before registering at the host campus.
After completing the exchange, you are responsible for providing UTRGV with an official transcript from the NSE partner institution so that completed coursework can be evaluated and recorded.
Step 7: Review Your Costs & Financial Aid
Before committing to your exchange, make sure you understand the complete cost of attendance.
Review:
- Home Pay or Host Pay tuition
- Mandatory university fees
- NSE application fee
- Housing
- Meal plans
- Transportation and travel
- Books and course materials
- Personal expenses
- Financial aid and scholarships
Your actual expenses will vary considerably depending on your host campus and exchange plan.
Do not compare tuition alone. Housing, meal plans, transportation, campus fees, and travel can significantly affect the total cost of your exchange.
Step 8: Complete Host Campus & Pre-Departure Requirements
After placement, your host institution may require additional forms and enrollment steps.
These may include:
- Accepting your placement
- Host-campus application or registration forms
- Course registration
- Housing application
- Meal plan selection
- Financial aid documentation
- Immunization or health records
- Orientation
- Final academic approvals
- Travel arrangements
In most cases, students who have already been selected and placed through NSE do not undergo another competitive selection process at the host institution. However, individual academic programs may have additional admission requirements.
Your UTRGV NSE Coordinator and host-campus NSE Coordinator will help guide you through this stage.
Step 9: Begin Your NSE Experience
Once everything is complete, it’s time to begin your exchange.
You'll study at your host campus while remaining connected with UTRGV and work toward completing the courses approved as part of your academic plan.
Remember that your responsibilities continue after your exchange. Once your term ends, make sure an official transcript is sent from the partner institution to UTRGV so your completed coursework can be processed.
Start Early
Some campuses, programs, housing options, and tuition plans have limited availability. Starting early gives you more time to prepare.
Costs & Financial Aid
Understanding the Cost of Your NSE Experience
The National Student Exchange is designed to make studying at another university both accessible and affordable. While costs vary depending on your host institution and exchange plan, many students find that participating in NSE costs about the same as attending UTRGV for a semester.
Your total cost will depend on where you study, your housing choice, meal plan, transportation, and personal expenses.
Tuition Options
NSE offers two tuition plans that determine where you pay tuition during your exchange.
- Home Pay Plan:
- With the Home Pay Plan, you continue paying tuition and mandatory fees to UTRGV while attending your host university. This option can help simplify financial planning and allows many students to continue using their existing financial aid package.
- Host Pay Plan:
- With the Host Pay Plan, you pay tuition and mandatory fees directly to your host university instead of UTRGV. This option may be beneficial depending on the host institution's tuition rates and available exchange placements. Your NSE Coordinator can help you determine which tuition option is available for your selected campus.
- Additional Expenses to Consider:
- In addition to tuition, students should plan for:
- Housing
- Meal plans
- Books and course materials
- Travel to and from the host campus
- Local transportation
- Personal and recreational expenses
- In addition to tuition, students should plan for:
- Costs vary by campus and location, so students are encouraged to create a budget before their exchange.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Many students can continue using federal financial aid, state aid, scholarships, and other eligible funding while participating in NSE.
Financial aid eligibility depends on individual circumstances and the selected tuition plan. Students should meet with both the UTRGV Financial Aid Office and the NSE Coordinator to understand how their aid applies during an exchange.
Additional scholarship opportunities may also be available through UTRGV, the host institution, or the National Student Exchange.
Plan Ahead
Before submitting your application, it's a good idea to:
- Review your estimated budget
- Compare Home Pay and Host Pay options
- Meet with the Financial Aid Office
- Discuss available scholarships and funding opportunities
- Understand housing and travel costs for your destination
Planning ahead can help you make informed financial decisions and avoid unexpected expenses during your exchange.
Questions About Costs?
Every student's financial situation is different. The NSE Coordinator can help you compare tuition plans, estimate expenses, and identify financial aid resources that may be available to you.
Housing
Make Your Host Campus Feel Like Home
NSE offers study away at colleges and universities throughout the United States, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. You can study at another campus for a semester or year. If you are interested in new academic challenges or just need a change of pace, NSE may be an ideal option for you. Applications are now being accepted for Fall 2026 online.
Benefits:
- New class opportunities
- Professors and experts in your field
- Research, field study, and internship opportunities
- Investigate graduate schools
- Personal growth/independence
- International and/or intercultural understanding
- Explore the historical and cultural makeup of the U.S. and Canada
- Connections and professional development
- Live and work in a culturally diverse society
You are encouraged to select colleges and universities that will provide learning opportunities to supplement and complement those of your home institution and assist you in reaching your educational goals. You are also encouraged to select campuses that will stimulate personal growth and development and allow you to experience the educational, geographic, and cultural diversity found among NSE's members.
Read below for essential tips for researching your exchange and deciding on an NSE campus.
- Which tuition plan is available to me? NSE students pay HOME or HOST tuition, not both.
- What are my campus eligibility requirements?
- What is the deadline and application process?
- Do I have a flexible academic plan for exchange? If you are dependent on a specific course for graduation or to maintain academic progress, exchange may not be appropriate. Registration in host campus courses is based on offerings and availability and cannot be guaranteed.
- Has my academic advisor approved my plan for exchange?
- Will the host campus offer access to adequate courses for maintenance of academic progress?
- Will participating in the exchange delay graduation?
- How will specialized or unique course offerings at the host campus enhance my academic program and career objectives?
- Am I proficient in the language of my prospective host campus? Classes are taught in Spanish at all campuses in Puerto Rico. At most campuses in Quebec, classes are taught in French.
- Is the host campus on the same academic calendar as my own? If you are moving between quarter and semester calendars, you are encouraged to plan an academic year exchange to maintain academic progress.
- Which tuition plan is available to me?
- How will exchange affect my financial aid?
- Are my financial resources sufficient to cover the cost of exchange?
- Review Placement to understand the process for choosing and prioritizing your exchange school. Your home campus NSE coordinator has access to campus placement history and will advise you on choosing a first-choice campus and back-up choices.
General Eligibility Requirements Prior to Exchange
- Baccalaureate degree seeking undergraduate (matriculating) student at an NSE member campus
- Completion of one term of full-time attendance (12 semester or 12 quarter hours) at NSE member campus prior to application*
- Completion of one academic year (24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours) at an NSE member campus prior to exchange
- Full-time (in classroom) enrollment at your NSE home campus
- Minimum home campus cumulative gpa of 2.5 (4.0 scale)*
- Good academic standing as defined by your home campus
- No incomplete grades from previous terms
- No outstanding financial obligations to your home campus
- No current or pending campus probationary status or disciplinary action due to academic dishonesty, civil, or criminal misconduct
- No current or pending non-campus related probationary status or disciplinary action due to civil or criminal misconduct
* Transfer students may apply for NSE during their first term at the home university at the discretion of the home campus NSE coordinator and potential host campus NSE coordinator. Student may be able to participate in exchange during their second term if they meet and maintain all general eligibility requirements (see above). Student should work with the home campus NSE coordinator to determine specific campus eligibility. Not all NSE member campuses may be able to accept transfer students in the first term.
Your potential host campus may have different or additional eligibility requirements. Please review the Campus Profile for each school you are considering to understand the exchange requirements, as well as any limitations or restrictions that apply to incoming exchange students.
Schedule an appointment with the NSE Coordinator, Jessica Cantu, to discuss more about the program, requirements, and options available to you.
- Submit your NSE application
Create an account on the NSE website and submit your application filling out the necessary information and materials.
- Meet with NSE Coordinator for post-application details
Once you submit your application, details are reviewed, and you will discuss with your NSE coordinator your final options and finalize paperwork.
- Complete post-decision materials
Post-decision documents will be available to complete after being accepted into your program and prior to departing.
- Attend a pre-departure meeting
The pre-departure meeting is mandatory for all students who will be studying away. Dates and times will be provided.
Each member campus has its own application process and selects its own outgoing candidates for exchange. Applicants must meet NSE's eligibility requirements as well as any additional criteria imposed by home and host institutions.
Program Options
Program options (such as study abroad, internships, student teaching, and resident assistant exchange) must be explored with your home coordinator eight to ten months prior to the actual exchange. These options require advanced planning, special arrangements, and, in some cases, additional application materials.
Special Needs
If you require a host campus classroom, housing, or other accommodations due to a physical condition, learning disability, or medical need, we encourage you to share this information when you apply. This will help us support you in selecting a host campus that can best meet your needs.
Commitment
It is important that you explore your exchange participation very carefully prior to actual placement. Select only campuses to which you are willing to exchange, including those which may be second, third, or other choices. Explore exchange participation, including financial resources, with your parents, significant others, academic advisor, and financial aid officer prior to placement, not after.
Each member campus has its own application process and selects its own outgoing candidates for exchange. Applicants must meet NSE's eligibility requirements as well as any additional criteria imposed by home and host institutions.
Application Fee: $150
National Student Exchange Application Link
Application Process
NSE participation is a privilege, not a right. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements and submitting an application do not guarantee your selection or placement.
Your home campus has designed an application and selection procedure to ensure that both NSE and campus standards are met. It is likely that you will be expected to provide a current transcript, letters of recommendation, goal statements for your exchange, and basic biographic data. The application is processed at your home campus and may require a personal interview. Consult your home campus NSE coordinator for details concerning the process and application deadlines on your campus.
Your home campus will assess a fee when you submit your application for exchange participation. This is an application fee and it is not refundable. Your coordinator will not submit a request for placement until the fee has been paid. No refund will be given whether or not you are placed, accept or decline your placement, or withdraw or become ineligible. If you reapply for NSE participation, you may incur an additional application fee.
Once you are selected and placed by your home campus, you are generally not required to complete an additional selection process at your host campus. However, some academic programs may have extra requirements, such as auditions, portfolios, or a higher GPA than your sending campus. Information about these requirements is available in the Conditions tab of each Member Campus Profile. Please review all program requirements and any limitations carefully before submitting your application.
Program Options
Program options (such as study abroad, internships, student teaching, and resident assistant exchange) must be explored with your home coordinator eight to ten months prior to the actual exchange. These options require advanced planning, special arrangements, and, in some cases, additional application materials.
Special Needs
If you require a host campus classroom, housing, or other accommodations due to a physical condition, learning disability, or medical need, we encourage you to share this information when you apply. This will help us support you in selecting a host campus that can best meet your needs.
Commitment
It is important that you explore your exchange participation very carefully prior to actual placement. Select only campuses to which you are willing to exchange, including those which may be second, third, or other choices. Explore exchange participation, including financial resources, with your parents, significant others, academic advisor, and financial aid officer prior to placement, not after.
You can travel to a select number of colleges and universities throughout the United States, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. See the list of colleges and universities through the NSE website.
You are encouraged to select colleges and universities that will provide learning opportunities to supplement and complement those of your home institution and assist you in reaching your educational goals. You are also encouraged to select campuses that will stimulate personal growth and development and allow you to experience the educational, geographic, and cultural diversity found among NSE's members. It is incredibly important that you research the school(s) you are interested in studying at before applying. You can find out more about each school you are considering in the Academics tab and Course Catalog on their campus profile on the NSE website.
NSE Transfer Evaluation Form for U.S. Institutions under a National Student Exchange
- What language are exchange classes taught in?
With the exception of campuses in Puerto Rico and Quebec (see below), the language of instruction at all NSE campuses is English. Students for whom English is not their first language must demonstrate proficiency as part of the home campus application process. TOEFL, IELTS, or other language tests may be required by some host campuses.
The language of instruction at all NSE campuses in Puerto Rico is Spanish. Students must demonstrate Spanish language proficiency as part of the application process.
The language of instruction at several schools in Quebec, Canada (Universite de Montreal, Universite de Sherbrooke, and Universite du Quebec a' Montreal) is French. Students must demonstrate French language proficiency as part of the application process. Following placement, students may also be requested to complete a language placement test.
- How much does it cost?
There is a non-refundable application fee of $150
Students will need to pay host OR home tuition and fees.
Home Payment:
UTRGV students pay normal tuition and fees and will not pay tuition or most fees to their host campus.
Host Payment:
UTRGV students pay in-state (resident) tuition and fees at their host NSE campus. Students placed on Host Pay are not billed tuition by UTRGV and are exempt from paying most student services and university fees to UTRGV. Host Pay tuition rates for each NSE school are listed on each campus profile in the Tuition/Fees tab.
Other Fees/Expenses:
Housing and meals are always paid to the host campus. (If students live off-campus, they are also responsible for those costs). You will also need to pay certain fees directly to the host campus, regardless of your tuition payment plan. These may include fees required for enrollment, such as application, laboratory, general service, computer, technology, or course-related supply fees. Students will also be responsible for the costs they incur for transportation, personal expenses, and sightseeing opportunities.
Reach out to our NSE Coordinator for any questions you may have.
- When is the application deadline?
Check campus availability and deadlines on the NSE website.
Priority placement:
Priority placement allows for a higher likelihood of being accepted into the desired host university. Each campus NSE coordinator determines eligibility for outgoing student applicants to be placed at this event and will accept applications December 1 to March 1 (individual campus deadlines may differ).
- What if I missed the official application deadline?
There are many schools that will still consider your application even if the deadline has passed. Contact an NSE advisor for assistance. It is strongly recommended, however, that you submit your application before the official application deadline. This will greatly increase your chances of being placed at the school of your choice.
- How long can I go on exchange?
You can participate in an NSE exchange for up to one full academic year or a shorter term. For schools on the semester system (as opposed to quarters), this includes fall, spring and summer terms. For schools that have quarters, this includes fall, winter, spring and summer quarters.