What student programs does WICHE offer?

Our flexible, state-responsive Student Exchange Programs provide a broad range of higher education options for nearly 26,000 students each year at undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. Students gain affordable access to desired programs, while states avoid unnecessary duplication of programs and institutions can devote their resources to improving the quality of their educational offerings.

In WICHE’s Western Undergraduate Exchange, students pay 150 percent of the receiving school’s resident tuition, substantially less than standard nonresident tuition. 24,670 students enrolled in 2009-10, saving some $173 million in tuition. Through our Professional Student Exchange Program, 13,712 professionals, most in healthcare, have received home-state support when enrolled in programs in another Western state; the majority of them remain in the region to practice their careers. In 2009-10 698 students enrolled in the program, which now offers 10 fields of professional education.

In 2009-10 220 distinctive graduate programs in 45 institutions in 15 states were available on an in-state tuition basis through our Western Regional Graduate Program; 502 students participated

WICHE’s newest exchange is the Internet Course Exchange (ICE), an alliance of member institutions and systems that broadens student access to online courses and programs. WICHE ICE is an institutional tool that enables students to seamlessly access other two- and four-year institutions’ courses while using the advisory, registration, and financial aid services provided at their home campuses.