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National Name Exchange

The National Name Exchange (NNE) is a non-profit program established to provide U.S. students with easy access to information on graduate school and help programs identify students interested in graduate study. The mission of the NNE is to improve access to graduate education for all students. NNE is hosted by the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) and supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF). 

The University of Maryland has partnered with NNE and CGS to ensure that students are aware of the opportunities available in graduate education. The list of participating universities becomes available once the registration cycle closes each year. Most universities participate year after year, so the 2024 List of Participating Institutions is a great reference for which universities participate annually.

ELIGIBILITY & PARTICIPATION
Is there a fee to participate?

No, it is free to participate in the NNE.

What are the eligibility requirements?

To participate in the NNE, students should be currently enrolled as undergraduates (sophomore year and above) or master's students who wish to pursue additional graduate education. While all students are encouraged to participate, those with a cumulative GPA of over 3.0 are particularly encouraged to enroll.

Is participation limited to certain majors/fields of study?

No, the NNE is open to students from all fields of study.

Can international students participate in the NNE?

NNE is open to US citizens, permanent residents, and green card holders only, at this time.

Can I participate if I am not interested in attending UMD for graduate school?

Yes! The NNE program allows students access to a wide range of information and resources about graduate schools nationwide. By signing up for NNE and providing information about your interests and goals, graduate school representatives from any participating university may contact you if they think you might be a good fit for their program.

ENROLLMENT & DATA
What is the enrollment period?

The registration cycle typically runs from mid-March through mid-June, but has been extended to July 25 this year.

How do I sign up?

See enrollment instructions here: go.umd.edu/enroll-nne-2025 

What happens with my data?

Only representatives from participating universities can access the information you provide using NNE’s secure website. These representatives might contact you after the NNE registration cycle is complete to provide information about their graduate programs and research/internship opportunities. Please note that your data is deleted each year, so you must re-enroll annually to continue receiving communications.

BENEFITS & OPPORTUNITIES
What are some of the benefits?

NNE enrollees are eligible for application fee waivers from some universities, resources about graduate education, networking opportunities, social media communities, and more. To maximize the benefits, students should actively engage with the information and opportunities provided by participating institutions. This includes attending virtual events, responding to program representatives, and exploring networking opportunities.

Will participating in NNE guarantee admission to a graduate program?

Participating in the NNE does not guarantee admission to any graduate program. It provides students with information and resources to help them explore and apply to programs that align with their interests.

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