myBama
Dean of Students

National Student Exchange

The National Student Exchange (NSE) is an undergraduate study away program much like study abroad. Rather than crossing oceans, NSE students cross state, regional, provincial, and cultural borders. Through this program students take a semester or academic year to attend another fully accredited participating institution while making progress toward their University of Alabama degree. The NSE is comprised of nearly 200 colleges and universities throughout the United States, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

By participating in the program, students can broaden their personal and educational experiences, explore and appreciate new cultures, take courses not offered at The University of Alabama, learn from different professors, explore new areas of study, break out of their comfort zones, expand academic program options, experience personal growth, and investigate graduate schools or employment opportunities. 

Eligibility

The requirements for NSE participation include:

  • Full-time enrollment at The University of Alabama
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
  • Good academic, judicial, and financial standing
  • Must not be on probation, parole, or have any pending legal judgements

Cost

There is a $250 non-refundable application fee.

Tuition and Fees

NSE is a tuition-reciprocal exchange program which utilizes two different plans for payment. The University of Alabama participates in both Plan A (Open) and Plan B (Even) of the NSE.

  • Plan A: Students pay the host campus in-state tuition and fees directly.
  • Plan B: Students continue to pay normal tuition and fees to The University of Alabama. If a student is currently paying non-resident tuition, they should expect to continue to do so while on exchange.

Room and Meals

If a student chooses to live on campus at the host university – and it is strongly encouraged that students do so – they will pay the costs for room and meals directly to the host campus, not the UA. Cost estimates for all participating institutions can be found through the National Student Exchange. Costs are subject to change without notice.

Other fees

Whether utilizing Plan A or Plan B, students will also be expected to pay the host campus those fees which are assessed as a condition of enrollment, including laboratory course fees, computer and technology course fees, art supply fees, etc.

Application

If you are a current student at The University of Alabama and are interested in applying to the National Student Exchange program, please take the following steps. Please note that priority placements and notifications will be made in mid-March.

Explore NSE

Visit the National Student Exchange website to explore potential schools where you might wish to study and complete the online application by clicking on the “Apply Now” tab.

FERPA Release

Complete the FERPA Release form on myBama. This form will authorize UA to contact your emergency contact while you’re on exchange.

References

Request three individuals to provide references for you, emailed to nse@ua.edu. It is preferred that these include an academic advisor, a faculty or staff member, and another recommender.

  1. Schedule an Appointment

    Schedule an appointment with Dr. Stacy Jones via email nse@ua.edu to finalize your NSE application, Advising Agreement, and FERPA release.

  2. Application Fee

    After meeting with Dr. Jones, please submit your non-refundable $250 application fee. You can pay your application fee online.

InfoAccessibility

For accessibility concerns, please contact us for assistance.

Attend UA Through NSE

If you are considering attending The University of Alabama as part of the National Student Exchange, we want to be the first to welcome you! There are so many exciting opportunities and programs at the Capstone. You will make lifelong memories and experience the tradition and pride for which The University of Alabama is known.

Here are the steps you need to take to join us here at UA:

  1. Placement Acceptance Form (PAF)

    Contact your home coordinator to ensure that your Placement Acceptance Form (PAF) has been sent to UA, so that we can confirm you attendance at UA for your exchange.

  2. Application

    Complete the application process for admissions. When you log in select “Undergraduate Admissions”. During the application process you will be asked to choose a program type and it is very important that you select “National Student Exchange.” Email nse@ua.edu after you have completed the application process.

  3. Campus Wide Identification Number (CWID)

    After you have been admitted you will be assigned a Campus Wide Identification Number (CWID). You will have to have this number in order to manage your affairs while here at UA.

  4. Official Transcript

    As soon as possible, have your records office send a copy of your official transcript to:

    Dr. Stacy L. Jones, via email: nse@ua.edu or mail to: The University of Alabama, Box 870298, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0298

  5. NSE Activity Fee

    There is a $50 National Student Exchange activity fee per semester. You can pay your activity fee online.

  6. Registration

    After you have applied and been accepted you will receive a notice from the University that you have been accepted. When you receive this notification, register for classes.

  7. Housing Options

    On Campus — As a National Student Exchange participant, you must first contact Housing and Residential Communities at housing@ua.edu. When you email HRC, be sure to indicate that you are a National Student Exchange student requesting on-campus housing. An HRC staff member will contact you with additional instructions on how to apply. If you have additional questions or issues, please contact our office at 205-348-6676. For general information about our residence halls visit the housing website.

    Off Campus – For information about student apartment complexes geared toward UA students to the Off Campus Housing website.

  8. Financial Aid

    If you are requesting financial aid and you are on Plan A, make sure that you have completed the current year’s FASFA form listing The University of Alabama. The FAFSA code number for The University of Alabama is 001051. It is very important that you also list your home school on the FAFSA. For general questions concerning the FAFSA, you may go to the FAFSA website.

  9. Medical Records

    Before you begin classes your medical record information must be received by The University of Alabama Student Health Center and Pharmacy.

  10. Student Email Account

    You will be issued a Crimson email account. Once you have your account, all communication from our office as well as all communication from the University will be sent to this new email account. It is important for you to check this email frequently. Failure to check your email regularly could result in missed deadlines and confusion regarding the status of your transfer.