Image shows a student posing along a lush hiking trail

National Student Exchange

Adventure is calling. Where will you go?

National Student Exchange (NSE) inspires academic enrichment, personal exploration, and student development by facilitating accessible collegiate study away among member colleges and universities throughout the United States, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, and U.S Virgin Islands. NSE is open to all academic undergraduate majors; With more than 170+ institutions, you're sure to find your best fit.

Pay either Iowa State tuition and fees, or the in-state/resident rate at the host institution. Your ISU financial aid travels with you, making NSE an affordable and financially accessible option.

What are you waiting for?

Current application timelines

Fall 2025: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through May 1, 2025 (though some campuses may close earlier!)
Spring 2026 exchanges: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through October 1, 2025 (though some campuses may close earlier!)
Fall 2026-Spring 2027 exchanges: The priority placement application will become available in December 2025. Meet with us to start planning!

Connect with our staff

Start here

After studying away, participants:

94%

Gained more insight about themselves
88%

Grew more confident in ability to problem solve

Where will NSE take you?

National Student Exchange is the premier provider of study away opportunities in the U.S. There are so many reasons to study away, including:

Visit a new region of the country, or North America
Experience a low-cost study away option
Take advantage of courses not available at Iowa State University
Add unique experiences to your resume