Student and Graduate Testimonials

"Without WRGP I could not afford tuition for my doctoral degree. After graduation I’ll return to my home on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. As the recent “20/20” episode about our community showed, the needs of our youth are overwhelming but not insurmountable. I believe strongly in the resilience of our Lakota people and with my education, I’ll be able to help strengthen our Lakota lifeways. I’ll be the first generation in my family to earn a doctorate. My late parents would be very proud, as they were strong supporters of higher education. A big "wopila" (“thank you” in Lakota) to WRGP!"

"I am a non-traditional student in that I am a student and a mother. PSEP has made it possible for me to pursue my goal of becoming a veterinarian. I could not have chosen this path without PSEP reducing my cost of tuition, so that our new family will not have an unreasonable amount of debt. I am passionate and excited about my future career and hope to someday contribute to veterinary medicine in Utah. Thank you, WICHE!"

"WICHE’s WRGP has allowed me to work toward my master's degree at an out-of-state college while paying in-state tuition. It has reduced my tuition costs by half. Southern Oregon University’s Mental Health Counseling program was approved for WRGP just before I enrolled. Thanks to WRGP and SOU’s participation, I won’t have massive debt awaiting me upon graduation. WRGP is great for students; it opens up financially-viable options for higher education beyond the borders of our home states."

"I’ll be the first member of my family to receive a college degree. Without the reduced tuition available through WUE, it would have cost over $100K to attend college. I have learned so much in my first semester at Central Washington University. I hold tremendous gratitude for the WUE program. WUE is a worthy investment; it's allowed me to improve my life, and I feel called to give back to the community in honor of the assistance extended to me. Thank you!"

"I am so grateful to have received help from WICHE’s PSEP so that I could attend medical school at the University of Arizona - Phoenix to become a physician. I’m a fourth-year student, and I will soon enter a residency program in internal medicine, likely to be followed by a fellowship in oncology. The road is a long one, but after my fellowship I look forward to returning to Montana and caring for patients.”"

"I was a senior in chemistry at Idaho State University when I first discovered the field of food science. Then I enrolled in Washington State University’s graduate program in food science through WRGP. Without the WRGP reduced tuition rate, my dream of becoming a food scientist/technologist would not have been possible. Now I work for a major U.S. company designing new consumer food products. Thank you for making my dream come true! I am truly blessed to work in a profession that I love!!"

"Without WICHE, I could not attend graduate school. As an adult student and parent, I have no flexibility in geography, and options for master’s degrees are few in northern Idaho. Washington State University Spokane is conveniently located and offers a robust MHPA program. When I was laid off recently, I knew pursuing a master’s was the best option for me and my family, but I could not afford out-of-state tuition. Thanks to WICHE’s WRGP, I now have an exciting career ahead of me. I am very grateful for this opportunity! "

"When I learned I was accepted at Central Washington University, I was overwhelmed at the thought of nonresident graduate tuition. I was ecstatic to learn that I could enroll through WICHE's WRGP and pay resident tuition. I'm thrilled to be a part of CWU's Primate Behavior program that prepares future primatologists for scientific studies in captive or fieldwork settings. I spent last summer in Indonesia conducting research on gibbon vocalizations and pair-bonding behaviors. Thanks to WICHE, I can enjoy my graduate studies without having to stress over alarming nonresident tuition costs."

"I was born and raised in Alaska. After graduation from high school, I wanted to travel and study outside of my home state, but I was discouraged by the high out-of-state tuition rates. After hearing about WUE, I began to look at western universities outside of Alaska. I am now enrolled at Central Washington University and thoroughly enjoying my educational experience and involvement with the Central Equestrian Team. This would not have been possible without WUE. I am so thankful for the wonderful opportunity I was given, and for CWU's participation in WUE!"

"I am currently enrolled in the Occupational Therapy program at Pacific University in Oregon. My home state does not have such a program. I wouldn’t be able to afford the schooling costs without the support of WICHE’s PSEP; it reduced my student loan debt significantly. In addition, I am able to focus on my studies rather than holding a job to support myself. I am looking forward to returning to Hawaii after graduation, so that I can give back to the community."

"I am very grateful for WICHE’s Professional Student Exchange Program. Thanks to WICHE funding from the State of Arizona, I can attend Oregon Health & Science University and pay in-state tuition. This will help relieve a lot of the financial burden when I graduate. WICHE support is helping me realize my dream to help others through dentistry."

"I’ve always wanted to be a veterinarian, and growing up on a small ranch in Wyoming reinforced my aspirations. But I didn't have access to a veterinary school in Wyoming, so I would be paying out-of-state tuition at any institution I attended. Then I learned about PSEP, where I would pay in-state-tuition thanks to the support of my home state. Instead of facing tremendous student debt, I can now focus on my schooling without the looming dread of hundreds of thousands of dollars in loans to pay back! Thank you Wyoming, for helping me pursue my dream of becoming a large animal veterinarian!"

"As a Wyoming resident, getting admitted to medical school is challenging because we have no in-state program. WICHE’s PSEP provided me with options! The University of North Dakota’s School of Medicine has given me a strong medical education as well as a rich cultural and personal experience. I will graduate in May and plan to pursue a residency in orthopedic surgery. The value of PSEP is immeasurable, and I would advocate that the State of Wyoming continue to support students through WICHE’s PSEP. Without it, I might not have become the future physician I am today."

"After graduating with my PhD in cancer biology from the University of Arizona, I set out to continue my journey of life-long learning in veterinary medicine at Colorado State University. I am extremely appreciative of WICHE’s continued excellence, and applaud their success in making a difference in the lives of the students they support, both financially and personally. Thanks to Arizona’s assistance through WICHE, I am confident I will one day contribute to scientific discoveries in veterinary and comparative animal medicine."

"I am very grateful to the State of Utah for allowing me to study veterinary medicine through the WICHE program. After graduation, I returned to Utah and have been practicing here for five years.Given the large ratio of debt to income for a veterinarian, my financial burden would have been insurmountable without WICHE support. I hope Utah will continue to give hard-working students the chance to access the best quality education available through the WICHE program."

"Without WICHE support, I wouldn’t have been able to attend optometry school. PSEP has allowed me to keep my loan debt to a minimum despite ever increasing tuition costs (more than $30,000 for the 2010-11 academic year), not to mention an additional $6,000 for equipment, books, and travel. I want to return to Montana and practice in the state that has given me this great opportunity. "

"I am from New Mexico and attend ASDOH through WICHE's PSEP. In addition to being one of the states that does not have a dental school, New Mexico is ranked 49th in the nation for the number of dentists per capita. New Mexico needs dentists who are willing to work in underserved areas to provide optimal patient care. ASDOH graduates culturally competent and community-responsive dentists – exactly what New Mexico needs. WICHE's PSEP is essential to making it affordable for New Mexican students to attend dental school and return to serve fellow New Mexicans. I am grateful to WICHE for helping make dental school possible."

"PSEP has been a great help to me and my family, as I forge through the difficulties of dental school. I would like to thank the Arizona Board of Regents for their support of postgraduates like myself. Knowing that I can obtain the schooling I need to support my family and make a difference in the lives of others while being helped financially by the State of Arizona has been a very comforting thing. The debt that I accrue to obtain my education will be astronomical. I cannot imagine how much of an added burden this would be had I not received this much needed supplementation. I have had the opportunity already to use the skills I have learned to benefit the lives of an underseved population in the remote jungles of Mexico. Getting this small taste of the joy my education can bring into my life and the lives of those I serve has been priceless. I thank WICHE for this blessing, and I hope that it will continue to bless other postgraduates in the future."

"This is the most amazing and generous program. WICHE has made it possible for me to go to graduate school for occupational therapy and to not incur nearly as much debt. Through the program nearly half of my tuition was covered for 2.5 years. I can't even begin to explain how helpful that is. I now have a solid profession where I can help people, and I don't have to spend my entire life paying down loans with high interest rates and principal. I now can build my future. Thank you, Arizona! "

"WICHE support afforded me the opportunity to attend physical therapy school. I come from Hawaii, a state without a PT doctorate program. The wonderful WICHE program gave me the opportunity to receive a great education in Arizona, something that would have otherwise been a significant financial hardship for my entire family. I have since graduated with a doctorate degree, am currently practicing in the profession that I love, and am now in the position to give back to my community. Thank you, WICHE."

"Earning a doctorate, becoming a university professor, and assisting others to become excellent teachers, these have been lifelong dreams – for many years just pipe dreams, due to the cost of higher education. Unfortunately, Washington State does not offer a Ph.D. program in special education of low-incidence populations, so I had started looking at out-of-state programs, which were prohibitively expensive. I am now attending a university in Colorado and receiving a top-rate education in my field that I would otherwise never have been able to afford. WRGP has made this possible, and I am deeply grateful for this opportunity that I have been given. Thank you so much."

"Washington State does not have a professional preparation program for teachers of children with visual impairments. In fact, because this is a unique educational niche, there are only a handful of programs in the entire nation for this specialty area. Not every university, or every state, can afford to support teacher preparation programs in sensory disabilities because the programs are typically small and don’t always draw enough students to be broadly cost effective. Most students who embark on their master’s or doctoral studies in the field of visual impairments and blindness are actually doing so as a second career. As a full-time teacher with a family and a mortgage, I would not have been able to return to school to pursue either my master's or my doctoral studies without WRGP's support. WRGP is a critical and cost-effective way of sharing resources and ensuring potential teachers have access to high-quality training and education. That, in turn, ensures that schools, parents, and students have access to teachers of children with visual impairments."

"The University of Hawaii has access to resources in East Asia that I would not be able to get anywhere else. However, given the high cost of living in Hawaii, attending school there would have been very difficult. I am married with a kid on the way, so things are tight. The help from WICHE makes it much easier for me to complete my education with the resources I need."

"My parents were not able to finish high school or earn their college degree because they had me at a very young age. They worked hard to give me a life they were not able to have themselves as children. Going to college was the only thing my parents ever asked of me. We are of a lower-income bracket, and I have three younger siblings, and we are all very close in age. We have all graduated or are graduating college. Without WUE there would’ve been no way for me to attend college for financial reasons. I am now in my third semester at Montana Tech. My estimated cost of tuition is around $19,000 because I am out of state. However, with WUE, I am paying about the same as an in-state student. Thanks to WUE I’m able to continue my degree, get a good job, and pay my parents back for every ounce of effort they put forth to raise me and help me get where I am today"

"WUE allowed me to attend school without racking up extreme student loans. After graduating from high school, I received a scholarship for $2,000 a year for four years, but aside from that I was on my own. My parents got divorced when I was young, and because of expenses related to that, they had no money to help me or my brothers with college. The other schools I was looking at in Oregon were too expensive, unless I was going to take out tons of student loans. Lewis-Clark State College looked like a great choice for the price, plus it was highly recommended by my aunt, who had gone there; the only problem with LCSC was the out-of-state fees. Applying through WUE meant I didn't have to pay most of those fees. Without WUE I either might not have gone to college at all or dropped out shortly after starting. WUE made it so that I can work hard in the summers and during the school year and keep my student loans to a minimum. I know of several other people who are in a similar position and wouldn't be able to go to school without WUE, one being my little brother, Jared. I hope that my story and the stories of others will affect any decisions made about WUE. "

"WUE has been incredibly important to me for so many reasons. It not only allowed me to get away and experience a new region and a new environment, it also allowed me to do this for very little money out of pocket. It has truly been a gift, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity."

"WICHE is a wonderful program which has allowed me to financially offset the rising costs of doctoral studies. Without WICHE's reduced out-of-state tuition program, I would not be able to afford the tuition. With the continued availability of WICHE's generous support, I plan to graduate with my doctor of nursing practice in December 2012. Thank you, WICHE, for helping me achieve my higher educational goals. The continued education of nursing students will provide an exceptional team of healthcare providers ready to care for our community. I encourage legislators to continue supporting WICHE programs."

"WUE has helped me to attend the college that I wanted to, in order to get the degree I want. Many colleges in Oregon do not have paralegal studies. Lewis Clark State College did, but the out-of-state tuition is rather high. WUE cuts the tuition way down, which definitively helps. It has always been my dream to study law, so I am going for a four-year degree in paralegal, with a minor in pre-law."

"I'm from Washington. I lived in a small farming community that is seven miles from the Idaho border. I am currently enrolled at Lewis-Clark State College with plans on transfering to the University of Idaho because I can finish out my degree there. WUE has made it possible for me to attend college. It will also follow me to the U of I and allow me to receive close to in-state tuition there. I have to pay for tuition out of my pocket. Without WUE I don't believe that affording college would be possible for me."

"Being from Montana, I was not fortunate enough to have what was considered a home state school; rather, a few institutions in the northwest who accepted Montana residents gave us the opportunity to pay in-state tuition through programs such as WICHE. I was thrilled to be accepted to a prestigious medical school, and to be offered in-state tuition through the WICHE program was a blessing on top of great news. The amount of loans needed to cover the costs of medical school can seem overwhelming and stressful; however, the WICHE program has reduced this stress and has supported me in achieving my aspirations by covering the cost difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition. It is very much appreciated."

"I am currently at Pacific University College of Optometry, enrolled as a WICHE PSEP student. My home state of North Dakota does not have an optometry school, and not having the added expense of being an out-of-state student has made graduate school an affordable option. Without the assistance of PSEP, graduate school might not have been an option for me, at least not right out of undergraduate school. My student loan debt will not be as substantial when I leave graduate school. This in turn will make it much easier for me to buy into a practice or even open my own practice when I return to North Dakota. Thank you for allowing me to become knowledgable in a field that I am passionate about and to come back and serve the great people of North Dakota."

"WRGP made it possible for me to attend a university outside of California without paying out-of-state tuition. I would not have been able to afford this program otherwise. There is no program of this type in the state of California. It was such a relief that I did not have to put off my plans to further my education. Thank you very much for this program!"

"Without WUE I wouldn't be going to school in Utah. Period. The money that WUE has saved my family has allowed me to attend the University of Utah for my first semester and will continue to allow me to do so for the next three and a half years. The mechanical engineering program at the University of Utah is fantastic, and I wouldn't have been able to receive the same education I am now, while living in such a desirable state."

"WUE made dream come true: a future career in geological engineering! WUE has been a huge help financially."

"Although I will still carry a large burden of debt when I graduate, WICHE has helped me significantly decrease the amount of money I’ve had to borrow for optometry school. This will undoubtedly help me after graduation as I begin to pay back these loans, but I have even felt the benefits of WICHE PSEP funding now, during school. It has decreased my stress knowing that I will be in a better financial situation when I start my career, and this has helped me focus more on my education and training, contributing to my success as a student."

"Although I have been granted funding (tuition waiver) for two of the three semesters I have had so far here at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, I know that if I am not granted funding I can still afford to stay here and pay tuition. I am the type of student who cannot afford out-of-state (or private), tuition and WUE has allowed me to study in a program that is nationally competitive at an in-state price! It's wonderful."

"When I applied to graduate school, I thought my only choice was to go to school in state in order to further my professional career. But I quickly realized the only graduate programs in art history with resources and subjects I was interested in were out of state. Finances were a huge factor in where I chose to go, since I would be taking on the costs of graduate school on my own. Having WRGP qualify me for the in-state tuition in my master's program allowed me the opportunity to further my education and my professional career. My tuition would have been more than three times the amount I paid as an in-state student, forcing me to take out a much larger loan than I was comfortable with. I am very grateful that this program exists and gives me the opportunity to study art history at an institution that will help me eventually find a job in an area I am passionate about."

"As a first-year veterinary student at Washington State University, I want to extend a huge "thank you" to those responsible for the ongoing WICHE PSEP support that I and other students like me are receiving. Without this funding the cost of my education would be double what it currently is, an increase that most likely would have prohibited me from achieving my life-long dream of becoming a veterinarian. I am truly blessed to be here now and to know that in four short years I will see my dream realized. I urge all students to take an active role in encouraging the continuation of this program so that we all can reach our goals! As the cost of education increases, as well as the disparity between this cost and expected salaries after graduation, the WICHE PSEP funding will only increase in importance for students like me."

"PSEP was very instrumental in providing the necessary financial assistance for both myself and my family throughout pharmacy school. The money was used to pay for a portion of my tuition, as well as the necessary books and membership fees for a variety of professional student pharmacy organizations. Without PSEP I would not have had the financial peace of mind to focus on my studies in pharmacy school. I am very thankful for the State of Hawaii for selecting me to be a WICHE PSEP candidate."

"I was very fortunate to receive funding through WICHE's PSEP. I'm attending an excellent program in another WICHE state and I pay in-state tuition. The difference between resident and nonresident tuition is enormous! Without WICHE I would graduate with twice as much debt. Now I'll be able to focus on my career and provide for my family, without the financial burden of paying off massive student loans."

"Without this program I would not have been able to afford getting a doctoral degree in physical therapy. My home state of Wyoming does not offer undergraduate or graduate degrees in physical therapy. I am very glad I was selected and was able to attend graduate school."

"WICHE's PSEP has given me great financial support while I accomplish my goal of becoming a physician. I am currenlty a physical medicine and rehabilitation resident in St. Louis. Next year I will complete a one-year fellowship in interventional spine medicine. Thank you, WICHE, for all the support. This is a very valuable program."

"I was and still am honored to have received support from the WICHE program to study veterinary medicine at Washington State University. It not only provided significant financial assistance, it also gave me my choice of three of the best professional programs in the country. As a native Nevadan, it has been a real pleasure to return to the Reno/Sparks area and serve the community that gave me many wonderful opportunities during my childhood and now during my professional career. Financially and professionally, the WICHE program has set me up for success, and I expect many other recipients feel the same way. I hope Nevada's state legislators continue to support this program and the students involved for many years to come. Not only will this program make the future for young students brighter, but it will aid Nevada's continuing need for quality professionals in various fields. I am very grateful for all that the WICHE program has done for me, and I hope to return the favor by working hard for my clients, their animals, and the entire great state of Nevada. "

"Without WUE I would not be able to attend Colorado State University. WUE has been of essential assistance in my ability to afford my education. I love attending CSU and know I would not be able to do it without WUE."

"I am finishing my optometry degree at Pacific University in Oregon and received funding from PSEP. My home state of Colorado does not have an optometry school, and the PSEP funding made it possible for me to get my degree at a great school while keeping my student loans under control. Without this program my student loan debt would be overwhelming, which would significantly limit the job opportunities I could consider. Getting involved with private practice optometry (as opposed to corporate options) is an option for me largely because my monthly loan payments will be manageable. I hope to repay the favor to Colorado with a long career as a private practice doctor. By my owning a business, creating jobs, and paying taxes, Colorado will benefit for the next 30-plus years. All of this is possible because of the up-front support I received. I encourage our legislators to continue funding this program."

"In going back to school this past semester, there were concerns about how I was to pay for graduate school, being that I was considered out-of-state (due to me working in another state prior). Many people were involved with providing me assistance and guidance to make sure everything would work out. I would like to tell you that WRGP was one reason I was allowed to continue my master’s education this year. This program helped me continue my dream of getting a master's degree and allowed me to afford this education. Without programs like WRGP, many students (like myself) would not be able to afford the education needed to further their future."

"I wanted to attend a maritime academy to become a licensed ship officer, but my home state of Washington doesn’t offer such a program. WUE allowed me to attend California Maritime Academy and pay reduced tuition, taking a lot of financial stress off my parents. I’m now also a mechanical engineering major; this will be a great skill set to have and should make me very competitive in the workforce. I could not have considered investing the extra time required for this if I hadn’t received the WUE discount."

"Not only did WUE give me the opportunity to attend college, it also allowed me to experience the beautiful state of Colorado. Without receiving this gift, I would not have been able to attend the college that was the best fit for me. Attending Colorado State University forced me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow as a person, as well as allowing me to learn about the many professional options I could choose from. Now I am on my way to becoming a physician's assistant; and I can say that because of the experiences I have had here in Colorado, I am confident that this is the perfect profession for me. I am so thankful for the opportunity the WICHE has given me; without it I would not be where I am today."

"Without WUE I would not be where I am today. My parents wouldn't have been able to afford CSU, so therefore I would not have been able to attend. I am very grateful for this program. I love CSU and am so glad that I had the opportunity to attend this fine school, thanks to WUE."

"WICHE’s PSEP has allowed me to pursue my aspirations of becoming an osteopathic physician and surgeon. Thanks to its long standing partnerships with medical programs in the West, WICHE gave me preferential admission at a number of medical schools, facilitating matriculation into the school of my choice. Furthermore, the reduced tuition through PSEP has immensely reduced the debt I am accruing while I study. Without both of these, I would not be in medical school right now! Thanks to WICHE, I’m learning medicine, loving it, and excited to return to Wyoming to practice after I graduate."

" I am in a clinical doctorate program and would not have had the ability to become a family nurse practitioner at this level if I hadn't been so blessed to have the help of WICHE. Graduate tuition in general is very expensive, and having to pay out-of-state tuition on top of that was going to be really tough, near to impossible really. Also, the family nurse practitioner program at the doctoral level was not offered in my state. The WICHE program really is a dream come true. I hope that even in these very trying economic times, every state and school/program involved in this amazing program will continue their funding. It is of the utmost importance for our state legislators to realize how important the opportunity of a higher education is and how appreciative those of us are who've reaped the blessings of this wonderful program. I will be an unofficial ambassador for WICHE for the rest of my life."

"Montana does not have a dental school, and out-of-state tuition is very expensive. I can't be grateful enough for financial support that the WICHE program has provided me in order to attend school at at great university and achieve my career goals!"

"WUE has helped me to achieve my academic goals by allowing me to study out of state at a more reasonable price. Part of the college experience for me has been the tremendous shift to an entirely different location. It has helped me to grow as a person. I am very grateful to WUE, as it has made attending Colorado State University more realizable for me."

"WUE helped to decrease the cost of tuition at Colorado State University, so that I am basically paying the same as in-state tuition. Colorado has one of the highest costs for higher education, but CSU has one of the top veterinarian schools in the country. Utah did not have a direct veterinary program or the other benefits of CSU. By being able to attend CSU as an undergraduate, I know that what I am learning gives me a better chance to acheive my dream of becoming an exotic animal veterinarian! I am so grateful for the help that WUE has given me, and I hope the program continues so that others are able to achieve their dreams as well!"

"I decided late in the summer to apply for CSU's IRM program and then realized the cost of grad school out of state. WICHE was the only way to go! Without the help from the program, it would have been extremely difficult to move to Colorado and go to graduate school. I was able to get through the tough financial time and become an extension educator."

"WRGP helped immensely to make it possible for me to go to school. I had been looking for a graduate program to fit my needs, and Southern Oregon University provided it. Without WRGP I would not have been able to afford to go to an out-of-state school and would not have had the wonderful experiences I have had since moving down here. With WRGP I am so much closer to reaching my goals."

"WRGP helped immensely to make it possible for me to go to school. I had been looking for a graduate program to fit my needs, and Southern Oregon University provided it. Without WRGP I would not have been able to afford to go to an out-of-state school and would not have had the wonderful experiences I have had since moving down here. With WRGP I am so much closer to reaching my goals."

"As a Montana resident, I could have stayed in state to study wildlife biology, but the state's lack of a veterinary school would have left me with few opportunities to gain the knowledge and experience I need to become a wildlife veterinarian. I preferred going to a college that had both of these options available to me. This, of course, raised the price of a college education. With WUE my college payments are now on a level that my mother and I can afford, and I can now access coursework and professionals that will prepare me for both wildlife management and veterinary medicine."

"Living in a semi-rural area in Northern Utah, there are few options for graduate nursing education. The University of Arizona and WICHE’s WRGP have allowed me to study in my home state and do clinical rotations in the area where I hope to serve. There is no better way to assist my community than to learn from their clinical needs and put them at the forefront of my future practice. I’d like to thank WRGP and the University of Arizona for making my studies affordable. Without WRGP, I wouldn’t be able to pursue my career dreams. I look forward to giving back by serving my home community!"

"PSEP has helped me gain peace of mind as to how I’ll pay for medical school. With tuition rising over $42K per year, coupled with the high cost of living in Southern California, PSEP has significantly decreased my need for additional loans. Without it, I’d be nearly $275K in debt by the time I graduate! The Washington PSEP conditional loan is “win-win” for all involved. It makes medical education affordable, and graduates will later repay the favor to our fellow Washington residents of medically underserved areas who are appreciative of their knowledge and skills."

"I'm from Nevada, a state with only two universities, so I'd be very constricted if I wasn't able to attend an out-of state university. Attending college in Colorado has been an amazing experience, and it would not have been possible without WUE. I have a twin sister who is also studying at Colorado State University. My dad was recently diagnosed with a terminal illness that has created large medical expenses for my family. Without WUE there is no way my sister and I would be attending such a great university in Colorado."

"WUE has been an incredible blessing in my educational career. I grew up in Corvallis, Oregon. WUE, however, allowed me to pursue a college education in Colorado. I have genuinely never been happier or more successful in my life. Without WUE, I would not have had such a beneficial, life-changing collegiate experience! "

"The WUE Scholarship has helped me achieve my academic goal of moving out of state to go to college. This has meant the world to me, as I have dreamed of going out of state for years. WUE is helping me achieve my goals because it enables me to be able to be here, in beautiful Colorado, studying what I love: zoology."

"Without WUE, I wouldn't have been able to attend my #1 choice of university. I couldn't be happier with the university I chose to attend, and I'm glad WUE could make it affordable for my family. "

"I had always been intrested in leaving home for college to expand my horizons and education. The cost of an out-of-state school, however, was a harsh reality when it came to application time. WUE made it possible for me to attended Colorado State as an out-of-state student. Here, I have been able to pursue an animal science major and work towards vet school, which are both majors my home state universities did not offer. WUE is helping my family and me save money for my grad school education."

"$40,000….. imagine how much you could do with that! Over four years, my WUE scholarship will have saved me about that much in tuition! WUE took a huge load off my already “full-of-debt” mind. It allows me to spend less time worrying and more time enjoying college and studying what I love. Thank you!"

"WUE has helped me to afford a school with a good preveterinary program. I intend to apply to vet school, so I wanted to attend a college with a good undergraduate program for veterinary medicine. Colorado State not only has that, it also a multitude of programs and volunteer opportunites for prevet students not found at other universities. Without WUE's aid in paying the tuition for an out-of-state university, I would have missed many educational opportunities that have helped me on my chosen career path."

"I have dreamed of being a veterinarian since I was a little girl. WUE has helped me to be able to pay for admission at Colorado State University and allowed me the opportunity to work with professors and grad students at one of the country's most prestigious veterinary schools. If it weren't for the WUE scholarship I would not have been able to come to CSU and would not have had all the wonderful experiences I have had."

"Reduced tuition through WUE made it possible for me to attend an out-of-state school that better aligns with my professional objectives of obtaining a technical degree and pursuing a career with an engineering company. WUE’s a valuable program that keeps very good students in the West, even though they leave their home state. Without it, many students might feel inclined to study even farther away from home. These students/professionals are our region's future and their presence benefits local and regional economies well after their study is over."

"Without WUE, I would not be able to afford the career of my dreams. Thanks to WUE, I’m able to study out-of-state in the program that’s the best fit for me for my respective discipline."

"I am extremely appreciative of WUE. I wanted to attend Colorado State University to study mechanical engineering because of its great program and to be near the mountains. WUE made my undergraduate studies affordable and thanks to the savings, my dreams of continuing on to graduate school are still feasible! I’ve enjoyed every minute of college and I thank WICHE for making this possible. I hope WUE will continue for a long time, so that more students can realize their dreams and attend the university of their choice."

"WUE’s helping me to achieve my academic goals and follow my life-long dreams. Without it, I would not have been able to major in nutrition and have access to all of the wonderful resources this community gives its students. I look forward to taking my knowledge back to my home state when I graduate, in gratitude of all that WUE has given me."

"WUE allowed me to go out-of-state for college and obtain a great education in a new environment. "

"If it hadn't been for receiving the WUE tuition discount, I wouldn't have been able to attend college in Colorado because out-of-state tuition is so high. I'm so grateful to have received this scholarship!"

"The WUE program has given me the scholastic freedom to pursue my track and field career instead of having to hold down a job to pay for college while I’m studying. WUE’s been instrumental not only for my academic and athletic success, but for my personal growth into independent adulthood as well."

"WUE made out-of-state tuition at CSU affordable. There’s no way I’d be here without it. Thank you!"

"If it weren't for WUE, I would not have been able to go to CSU. Out-of-state study has opened many doors for me, and I’ve had so many different experiences that I just wouldn’t have had otherwise. Thank you!"

"WUE tuition made out-of-state study possible; leaving my home town was something I felt I needed to do in order to “find myself”. I am so thankful to WICHE’s WUE program for allowing me to go to school here in Colorado. I wouldn't have been able to afford it any other way."

"I’d wanted to go to college in Colorado for quite some time, and WUE made it financially possible. I am able to meet new people and experience living in a new place. Thank you!"

"WUE has allowed me to enroll in an institution that I would otherwise not have been able to attend. With some of the financial burden lifted, I can focus my attention on studying and the goals ahead of me. Without WUE, I wouldn’t have had the chance to experience of the State of Colorado and benefit from the educational programs and research that is abundant here. I’m extremely appreciative of the opportunities WUE has provided that will help me prepare for medical school in the future."

"The skills that one learns by moving to a new state and meeting new people cannot be learned in a classroom. Many students like me cannot afford out-of-state tuition, but thanks to WUE, I’m able to afford nonresident tuition and study restaurant and resort management, which was not offered by institutions in my home state. I value my education that I’ve received here, and I hope that WUE will continue to help students gain access to the education and opportunities that they need and deserve."

"Without WUE, I would not have been able to attend Colorado State University as an Equine Science major; I’m thankful for this, as the program provides outstanding preparation for vet school. WUE also makes it affordable for students move out of their home state “comfort zone” and gain more diverse perspectives. WUE’s opened many opportunities for me, and is playing a critical role in shaping my professional future."

"WUE’s made it much more affordable for me to attend CSU for my undergraduate degree in microbiology. My financial burden is lighter now, which will ultimately help me to be able to afford vet school in the future."

"Ever since I was a little girl I’ve wanted to study veterinary medicine. As I grew older, my passion for it only grew, but so did my awareness of how much it was going to cost, especially because Arizona does not have a veterinary program. Without WUE, my family could never afford for me to study out-of-state. WUE has allowed me to start my education at the same institution where I plan to finish it. I can't possibly describe how thankful I am for the opportunity to study here. Thank you!!"

"Thanks to WICHE’s WUE, I’ve been able to study at an institution where I can learn everything I need to in order to achieve my goals. I had program options in my home state, but it was important to me to “get out and see the world,” away from home. WUE allowed me to attend the university I wanted, with the program I needed--at an affordable price! I’ve had an exceptional collegiate experience thus far and now I am researching graduate schools. Thank you!"

"Without WUE, I wouldn't have been able to go to school out of state. While I miss home, putting myself into new situations has been the most valuable experience of my life. I've developed new perspectives, made great new friends, and have grown personally. I can't thank WICHE enough for this opportunity, and would encourage other prospective students to apply and try something new."

"I was born and raised in Seattle and wanted to be immersed in a completely new environment where I would also receive a world-class education. WUE made my dream come true. I am currently an undergrad at CSU in the Biomedical Science program. I’ve had access to incredible resources and amazing faculty every semester; CSU was the perfect fit for me! Without WUE, it would not have been possible. Thank you WICHE!"

"Colorado State University not only has an excellent Nutrition and Food Science program, but it was the only college I visited that I truly fell in love with. Without WUE, paying nonresident tuition would have been near impossible, and I wouldn’t have been able to attend CSU. Thanks to reduced tuition through WUE, I am getting an excellent education at a university I love."

"Without WUE, I wouldn’t have been able to study out of state. Although my parents make good money, they have yet to send my younger sister and brother through college, a factor that FAFSA and financial aid formulas do not often recognize. WUE allowed me to live my dream of studying in Colorado without racking up huge amounts of debt. WUE has been a tremendous help financially. Thank you!"

"I had my heart set on Western Washington University all of my senior year and couldn't picture myself anywhere else. WWU has a well-known College of Education, and I knew that their program would help me in my teaching career. WUE opened a very special door for me, and I am forever grateful!"

"The WUE tuition discount allowed me to consider studio art programs that were the best fit for me in regards to curriculum and location, and not just on the basis of their cost. The WUE program made my top choice affordable: I am now studying art in beautiful Bellingham…just the place I want to be! I am ever grateful for this opportunity. Thank you WICHE and Western Washington University! "

"I had to work almost full-time in a retail pharmacy to afford my undergraduate education and was left with little time to study or perform the volunteer activities I’d previously enjoyed. Thanks to WICHE’s PSEP, I was able to complete professional pharmacy school while keeping my debt low, and working less so I could tutor classmates and volunteer at health fairs and at a local homeless shelter clinic. I’m extremely grateful for PSEP. I’m now completing a residency in pharmacotherapy and will return to Nevada to serve as a hospital pharmacist and educator. "

"Words aren’t enough to express my appreciation to the State of Wyoming and WICHE! I grew up on a ranch in Wyoming and have always wanted to live and work in a rural community. Thanks to PSEP, I was able to pursue my dream of becoming a veterinarian and I will be able to return to Wyoming. Without PSEP, students like me could not afford to return to their rural communities. Rather, we’d be forced to take employment in larger cities where earnings are higher, so that we could pay off our student debt. PSEP is a lifesaver for students who don’t have professional schools in their home state."

"Knowing from a young age I would be pursuing a career in medicine, WICHE’s PSEP was always a critical piece of the application puzzle. Without WICHE preference, out-of-state applicants have little chance of getting admitted into most of the medical schools around the country. I was able to mark "WICHE certified" on my applications and it helped me secure a position at the University of North Dakota. I am now pursuing a general surgery residency at a Level 1 trauma center. WICHE plays a vital role in educating physicians who will return to Montana and support the future of the profession."

"Since there is no physical therapy program in my home state of Wyoming, WICHE's PSEP program was the only option for me that didn't involve crippling amounts of student loans. Thanks to WICHE PSEP’s extensive network of cooperating programs, I was able to choose from several excellent but otherwise unaffordable schools. Soon I’ll be graduating and will go back to Wyoming to practice. Thanks to WICHE, I am the first member of my family to graduate from college."

"I’m currently studying veterinary medicine at Washington State University. WICHE’s PSEP has not only helped make my education affordable, but it will give me the opportunity to go back to my home state of Montana to practice mixed animal medicine and run the family ranch with my husband. Veterinary studies are stressful in and of themselves, but it’s such a relief to know that I’ll have a manageable debt load to pay off when I graduate. That would not be the case without the WICHE program."

"Portland State University has the only program to educate teachers of the visually impaired in the Pacific Northwest. Thanks to WICHE's WRGP, I’m able to attend PSU and pay Oregon resident tuition even though I live in Washington. I plan to teach in a field that is experiencing a serious shortage of qualified educators."

"I returned to the United States after having spent 26 years abroad, hoping to create a new career and new life for my family. Portland State is the only university in the Pacific Northwest that offers a program for teachers of the visually-impaired. If I had not received reduced tuition through WICHE’s WRGP, I would not only have had to stay in Italy with a job that was going nowhere, but the students with visual impairments in the school district where I now teach would be without a teacher. I would like to thank WICHE for helping me change my life and the lives of the students I serve."

"In brief, PSEP has reduced my debt load. Having to go out of state typically means higher tuition, but PSEP saved me about $10K a year, for which I am grateful. As a 50-year-old, I will have much less time to pay off my loans and save for retirement, so every bit helps. Thank you!"

"WICHE’s PSEP has allowed me to pursue my dream of becoming of physical therapist by providing me with reduced tuition. Without it, I may not have been able to attend the University of Utah’s program, nor receive the education that I value so much. Thanks to WICHE’s PSEP and the State of Wyoming, I’ll be able to serve others and achieve my professional potential."

"Without the reduced tuition I get through WUE, I'd probably end up with lower grades because of the extra work hours I'd need to do in order to pay for tuition. Thanks to WUE, my education is affordable and I can focus on my studies! "

"After a decade working as a writer and editor, I decided to return to school to study communication research and fulfill my dream of earning a graduate degree. WICHE’s WRGP allowed me to cast my net wider and search for affordable journalism graduate programs outside of my home state of Washington. Now, I am happily working on a master's degree in Public Communication & Technology at Colorado State University, enrolled through WRGP. Thank you!"

"I’m studying Musical Theatre at Central Washington University. The theatre and performing have been my life since I was very small. When I visited CWU, I fell in love with the campus and Ellensburg; I didn't want to go anywhere else. I had my back-up plans, but luckily I didn't have to use them. My parents wouldn’t have been able to afford CWU without WUE, as my sister is also enrolled in a private college. Thanks to WUE, I am following my dreams and will get the chance to go to Europe for a month as part of my studies. Thank you!"

"Since I was 18, I’ve wanted to work with gorillas and their wildlife conservation. Due to layoffs, my parents had no way of helping me pay for school. Without WRGP I wouldn’t have been able to attend Central Washington University which is the only school in the U.S. that offers a master’s in Primate Animal Behavior. Enrollment through WRGP saves me about $2,500 each quarter. Thank you, THANK YOU!!!"

"I’d always dreamed of attending college out of state. I wanted to get out of my comfort zone, explore, and redefine myself. When I came across Western Washington University, I knew it was the perfect place for me. I applied and was accepted, but was extremely nervous about how I would afford tuition, until I was offered WUE. It allowed me to pursue my education in a setting where I am surrounded by positive people, invigorating academics, and a breath-taking natural environment. I now work in admissions at WWU and see firsthand how WUE allows students like me the opportunity to dream big!"

"WICHE’s Professional Student Exchange Program allowed me to receive an affordable professional education at an out-of-state institution. I was able to pay in-state tuition for all four years of my dental school education. It's an important program that gives equal opportunity to residents of states without their own professional program."

"WICHE’s PSEP is essential for those of us that want to enter in the veterinary profession but don't have the financial means to pay four years of nonresident tuition. Coming from rural Montana, PSEP gave me the chance to fulfill my dream of a career in veterinary medicine. Even more importantly, I’ll have the option of opening a rural practice, since I will have a lower student debt load when I graduate, and for that I'm thankful! "

"Without reduced WUE tuition, I would not have been able to afford college. Thank you! "

"I was fortunate enough to receive funding through Nevada WICHE’s PSEP before the opening of UNLV's dental school. The WICHE support helped reduce my student debt load down to approximately $200K, which sounds like a lot until you compare it to my classmates who graduated with over $300K in debt! After I graduated, I was chosen to participate in the state’s loan repayment program which further reduced my student loan burden. I’ve paid off a significant portion of my loans while doing what I love: helping the underserved children of my community."

"The WUE program was the best thing that has happened to me! It opened doors to opportunities to go away for college outside of my home state of Hawaii. I never thought I’d be able to study out-of-state, due to my financial situation. WUE gave me opportunity to grow as a teen into a competent and independent adult with a college degree. WUE is a life-changer for anyone who wants to go away for college and grow as a person."

"I am so appreciative of my chance to enroll through WICHE’s PSEP to achieve my degree in veterinary medicine. The program played a crucial role in making my dream of becoming a veterinarian possible; it allows me to focus on my education instead of the high financial costs. Continued support of PSEP will allow many talented students to pursue their career goals and produce dedicated professionals in critical fields that Wyoming and the other WICHE states need. Thank you to WICHE and Wyoming for giving me this opportunity!"

"Attending veterinary school has been a lifetime dream of mine, but not having a vet school in your home state can be a major disadvantage, both acceptance-rate wise and financially. As a Nevada resident, I had to look elsewhere for veterinary school, but thanks to WICHE I was given an advantage in the applicant pools of western veterinary schools. Furthermore, WICHE has allowed me to receive a first-class veterinary education with half the debt I would have accrued as an out-of-state student, which I will appreciate for years to come as I pay off my student loans."

"WICHE's Professional Student Exchange Program made it possible for me to go to veterinary school at Colorado State University. Without my home state of Montana's support through this program, I would not have been able to afford to go to veterinary school at all."

"As an Idaho resident, it was such a relief when I learned I was awarded reduced WRGP tuition for my master's studies Utah State University. WRGP has been a blessing; it allows me to focus on my studies and not worry about taking an additional job to supplement my income, since I have a wife and two children at home. And, it will keep my future student loan payments manageable, which will help me to continue my professional life. Thanks WRGP!"

"WUE has greatly benefited me throughout my college career at New Mexico State University. Being a resident of Nevada, I would normally be expected to pay out-of-state tuition, but instead, I pay a reduced rate. Without WUE, I may not have been able to afford NMSU and achieve my goal of earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration. WUE allows students from many different Western states to attend NMSU, and I am grateful that it participates in the program!"

"I recently graduated from Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. In Nevada, there is no veterinary program so I had to go out of state, and WICHE was the only way I could afford to do so. Thanks to WICHE and Nevada for helping me achieve my goal of becoming a veterinarian. I would not have been able to do it without their help!"

"The State of Arizona offers a public program in allopathic medicine, and two private programs in osteopathic medicine. For an Arizona resident, allopathic medicine is the most affordable option. However, the osteopathic medical approach aligns better with my personal medical philosophy. Thanks to WICHE support, financial considerations did not dictate my choice. Now I can pursue my dream of serving my fellow Arizona residents as an osteopathic physician."

"I studied veterinary medicine at Washington State University and WICHE funding reduced my debt load substantially. The support allowed me to return to my home state of Utah to practice for three years following graduation. Subsequently, I have been able to pursue a veterinary residency, instead of postponing it for financial reasons. I encourage Utah's legislators to continue to support the WICHE program. "

"Ever since I was five, I knew that I wanted to be a veterinarian but never thought about the cost! Without WICHE support, I would have had to let my dream die and been forced to pursue a second-choice career. I encourage our legislators to continue to support WICHE’s PSEP, as it is often the only way for many low income students raised in rural agricultural areas to pursue higher education. It will allow me to return to Montana and serve the state’s shortage of food animal veterinarians. It’s a “win-win” for both student and the state. Thanks Montana!"

"As a husband and father of three children, the challenge of funding my professional optometry education has been overwhelming. My undergraduate advisor encouraged me to apply for WICHE PSEP funding and I am glad I followed her wise counsel! When I received the award letter from the State of Idaho notifying me that I was selected, I felt a great sense of appreciation--and relief! PSEP has reduced my financial stress allowed me to dedicate myself to my family and maintain a healthy work-life balance, which ultimately contributes to my success as a student."