Getting a WUE place represents a fee reduction of 150 percent.
The Western Undergraduate Exchange program is run by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher education. The program allows students that are normally a resident in any of the WICHE states to enroll in two and four-year college courses at institutions in another WICHE state at reduced tuition costs. There is a huge demand for WUE places, and students are advised to apply early to the institutions of their choice.
WICHE States
The WICHE states are Alaska; Arizona; California; Colorado; Hawaii; Idaho; Montana; Nevada; New Mexico; North Dakota; Oregon; South Dakota; Utah; Washington; and Wyoming. A list of all the two-year and four-year colleges and universities by state that are included in the program is available at the WUE website. Two-year diploma or certificate courses are offered at community colleges and the four-year degree courses at universities. According to WICHE, as of 2011, some 145 institutions participate in the program. WICHE also points out that nearly all undergraduate fields of study are available under the WUE program. Some institutions offer all courses on a first-come, first-served basis, and others only offer certain courses to WUE students.
Applications
Students should apply directly to the WUE college or university of their choice. The application should show clearly that you are a WUE student. WICHE advises that candidates use a hard-copy application form when possible, as it is easier to make it clear that you are applying for WUE. If you use an online application form, click the WUE box on the form. If you cannot find one, phone the school admissions office and ask how you apply for the discounted tuition rate.
Eligibility
Residency within a WICHE state does not automatically guarantee a WUE award. The WICHE website advises students qualifying for WUE to apply at the earliest possible date because some of the universities and colleges limit the number of WUE places they award annually. Institutions might also apply criteria such as SAT and GPA scores. The WICHE does not regulate selection criteria for WUE, which is why students should approach the institution for specific information.
Savings
According to WICHE, to calculate the savings you will make, multiply the resident tuition fee of the college or university by 1.5. This represents a reduced tuition level at 150 percent of the normal resident tuition fee. For example, a student nonresident in Oregon attending the University of Oregon pays $25,830 for an undergraduate degree, and the WUE rate is $11,655. A WUE savings estimate document by state is available from the WICHE site.
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