Here's what students and graduates are saying about WICHE's student exchange....

  • "When I was looking at schools, I found the WUE program. It was amazing to me that it was cheaper to go out-of-state on a WUE scholarship than it was to stay in state in California. Without WUE, I would be in debt for a long time. My parents and I are so grateful for this program, and I highly recommend it. WUE is a great deal; I'm getting a good education at a reasonable price! I attend Northern Arizona University and I love it. It's the perfect distance from home; I can go home if I need too, but it's far enough away to get the college experience of living on my own. This experience has taught me how to be self-sufficient and responsible. I have worked hard and gotten involved with different organizations on campus that have enhanced my knowledge in chemistry and social problems around the world."

    Amanda, California resident, Class of 2013, Northern Arizona University, Chemistry
  • "I was not going to attend a university because tuition and fees were just too expensive. WUE program gave me access to a less expensive education and an experience that I will always take with me. I am a first-generation college student, and my family is proud. Thank you WUE! "

    Tara, California resident, Class of 2013, Northern Arizona University, Psychology
  • "Going to school out-of-state was never an option until I learned about the WUE program. I am originally from California, but wanted to go to school in a different state. WUE makes going to college more affordable, which has given me the optimism I needed to earn a college degree. Without WUE, I would have not been able to attend Northern Arizona University where I have made great connections that will allow me to pursue my dream career."

    Lane, California resident, Class of 2012, Northern Arizona University, Political Science with a minor in Biology
  • "Being the oldest of three children active in sports and dance meant that going to school at home in California wouldn't be affordable without a scholarship. Thanks to WICHE's WUE, I'm able to go to a school I love for less than what I would have paid in my home state! The reduced tuition helps take some stress off of my parents and me. Without WUE, I wouldn't have the opportunities and experiences I've had over the last year and a half. I really hope that this program continues so that more students can benefit. Thanks to WUE, my future's off to a great start."

    Anna, California resident, Class of 2015, Northern Arizona University
  • "The WUE program made going to an out of state school financially viable for me and my family. In high school, I knew that I wanted to attend a university outside of my home state and give myself the opportunity to have new experiences. Reaching outside of my comfort zone to go to school in Arizona was one of the best choices I made. It exposed me to new ways of thinking and to different people from different cultures. Above all however, it made me appreciate where I came from and the values and practices that are important to me. "

    Amy, California resident, Class of 2012, Northern Arizona University, International Hospitality Management
  • "I graduated from a California high school and wanted to go to university there, but tuition costs have been sky rocketing, and I couldn't afford it. Fortunately, I enrolled at Northern Arizona University and was awarded WUE. WUE has help me tremendously financially and allowed me to stay in school. I'm putting the tuition savings towards other school-related necessities like books and rent. It's helped me reduce the amount of student loans and reduce financial pressures. WUE has brought me one step closer to my career goals and I am greatly appreciative its contribution to my success in school. If it weren't for WUE, I wouldn't be graduating in six months!"

    Khaxil, California resident, Class of 2013, Northern Arizona University, Psychology and Sociology
  • "I left high school wanting to study business. I lived in California where the tuition rates of in-state schools were rising. Leaving the state was a long shot until I found out about WICHE's WUE program. It allowed me to explore universities in other states at the same cost (or even lower!) than some institutions at home. I have thrived here at NAU, majoring in business management. I would not be where I am today without WICHE. Thank you!"

    Gabriel, California resident, Class of 2014, Northern Arizona University, Business Management
  • "I grew up in California and enjoyed living there, but when it came time for college I wanted to move to a new state and experience life elsewhere. I ended up at NAU in Flagstaff, Arizona. WUE was the only reason I was able to afford studying out of state. Thanks to WUE I now hold a B.S. in psychology and sociology and plan to earn a master's in the future. I greatly appreciate the assistance offered through WUE and I know my college experience would have been vastly different if the program didn't exist."

    Emily, California resident, Class of 2012, Northern Arizona University, Psychology and Sociology
  • "I knew that I wanted to go out of state for college, but I also knew that I couldn't afford to pay full nonresident tuition. Thanks to WUE, going to college is so much more affordable. My parents love it! Choosing to go out of state was the best decision I've ever made."

    Elizabeth, California resident, Class of 2015, Northern Arizona University, Elementary Education
  • "The WUE program has made it much easier to afford school, even though it is still a bit of a struggle. If it weren't for WUE, I wouldn't be enrolled at NAU because I didn't have had the funds for out-of-state tuition. Thanks WUE!"

    Jasmine, California resident, Class of 2015, Northern Arizona University, Criminal Justice
  • "WUE allows me attend NAU without worry about rising tuition, because they offer a special four-year fixed tuition program in addition to the discounted WUE rate. I was accepted to all 10 of the schools I applied to, but after carefully looking at all my options, I chose NAU because it went above and beyond my expectations and offered the WUE rate. Now I do not have to worry about rising tuition costs and can focus more on my future career in the hospitality industry."

    Amy, California resident, Class of 2015, Northern Arizona University, Hotel and Restaurant Management
  • "I am currently studying business management at Northern Arizona University because of the WUE program. I grew up in a small town in California and I always wanted to be able to explore new things and live in different places. I definitely wanted to go out of state for college. The problem was that out-of-state tuition was too expensive. WUE has allowed me to continue my education out of state and given me an amazing college experience! "

    Joseph, California resident, Class of 2015, Northern Arizona University, Business Management and Pre-Law
  • "WUE makes it much more affordable for me to attend college out of state where it's much easier to get the classes I need to graduate within four years."

    Keoni, California resident, Class of 2016, Northern Arizona University, Forestry
  • "I've wanted a master's in urban design for years now, and the reduced tuition through WICHE's WRGP made it financially feasible for me to further my education. I am attending the University of Colorado at Denver, and if it wasn't for the resident rate I pay by enrolling through WRGP, I wouldn't be here. I am so grateful for this opportunity, and I hope many other students take advantage of this wonderful program."

    Samantha, California resident, Class of 2013, University of Colorado Denver, Master of Urban Design
  • "WRGP has helped me achieve my academic and professional goals. If it weren't for the reduced tuition I pay by enrolling through WRGP, I wouldn't have been able to attend my school of first choice, the University of Arizona. The U of A has one of the best public health programs but out-of-state tuition is extremely high and my chances of going there were slim if I didn't get some sort of financial help. I am currently in my first year of MPH studies and loving it."

    Rachel, California resident, Class of 2014, University of Arizona, Master's of Public Health with a concentration in Public Health Policy and Management
  • "I applied to graduate school in Colorado thinking that I was an in-state resident since I was already living and working here. When I saw my first tuition bill I was horrified. It turned that I was just short of a full year to be classified as a resident, and there was no way that I could be able to pay the out-of-state tuition. I was crushed when I realized that I would have to give up this great opportunity because I couldn’t possibly add that much more debt to the undergraduate loans I was still trying to pay off. Fortunately, I realized that I qualified for WRGP because I was still considered a California resident. Now I'm back on track and have the opportunity to earn my master's in urban design, and make the connections that I need to start my design career. None of this would be feasible without WICHE's WRGP."

    Allison, California resident, Class of 2013, University of Colorado, Denver
  • "One of the biggest worries for prospective and enrolled graduate students is funding. WRGP opens doors by providing out-of-state-students with in-state tuition. This makes graduate studies far more affordable and gives students from the West some level of preferential admission. The money I've saved by enrolling through WRGP has allowed me to put that savings towards research, attending conferences, and networking; taking advantage of these opportunities are imperative for me to become a successful professional. I'm sure I speak for many in expressing my appreciation for this program. WRGP has allowed me to pursue my goals of providing mental health services to combat veterans, many of whom I served with in the Iraq War."

    Christian, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps (Combat Veteran), California resident, Class of 2017, University of Colorado Denver, Clinical Health Psychology, PhD
  • "I am studying natural resources and environmental management at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. I am from California and always wanted to attend school out of state. WICHE allowed me to do this, and for that I am forever grateful. In addition, I was able to enroll in a academic program unlike any available in my home town. This is a great program that allows students to expand their horizons. I hope it continues in the future."

    Billylee, California resident, 2012, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Natural Resources and Environmental Management
  • "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."

    Kasey, California resident, Class of 2015, Montana Tech, Biological Sciences/Occcupational Safety and Health
  • "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!"

    Valerie, California resident, Class of 2012, Eastern Washington University, Dental Hygiene Master of Science
  • "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."

    Carina, California resident, Class of 2012, Art History, University of New Mexico, Art History
  • "I received my M.F.T. from Pepperdine University in California. Upon completion of my degree and work in the field of counseling, I knew that I wanted to further my education and work toward my Ph.D. in counseling psychology. There are a limited number of universities that offer this particular degree, and fewer still that offered funding. I also wanted to move closer to my family in Western Kansas. The University of Northern Colorado had everything that I wanted: an excellent educational facility with some of the top educators in the country, a chance to live in Colorado (a dream), and for the first time since high school, the ability to drive home in under 10 hours. Thanks to the WICHE program, I am now in my first semester of my doctoral program and could not be happier. I'm challenged by and engaged in a field that allows me to help others and am receiving an amazing education. I am so grateful for this opportunity and ask legislators to continue to offer this assistance. The opportunity you provide students is immeasurable, as is the difference will can make in the world."

    Em, California resident, Class of 2014, University of Northern Colorado, Counseling Psychology
  • "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."

    Amy, California resident, Class of 2013, Colorado State University, Business Marketing
  • "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."

    Sydney, California resident, Class of 2014, Colorado State University, Civil Engineering
  • "WUE has made attending my choice school possible, enabling me to attend a university that offers the programs and postgraduate opportunities I need. WUE has helped me bring my dream of becoming a large animal veterinarian one step closer. It helps me to pay for the education required to become a professional in my chosen field and do the best possible job in that field."

    Taryn, California resident, Class of 2014, Colorado State University, Microbiology
  • "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."

    Christopher, California resident, Class of 2011, Colorado State University, Natural Resource Recreation & Tourism
  • tessa-ca-wue.jpg
    "WUE was a key factor for me in deciding to come to Colorado for college. CSU’s College of Natural Resources is the perfect place to start my career in conservation, with numerous research opportunities through professors and associates. And, WUE’s given me the financial freedom and time to get involved in campus clubs and athletics, and focus on academics, instead of worrying about part-time jobs to help pay for school. WUE’s an amazing program, and I hope it continues to support students for years to come. Thank you."

    Tessa, California resident, Class of 2014, Colorado State University, Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology
  • "WUE has essentially made it possible for me to go to college. I have two older sisters, both attending college, and I knew that the cost of supporting children through college was starting to take a toll on my family's finances. WUE made it possible (and even cheaper) to attend a college outside of my home state. Without this program I would not have been able to fulfill my dream of attending an out-of-state school to pursue a degree in the sciences."

    Kelly, California resident, Class of 2014, Colorado State University, Natural Resource Management
  • "When I visited CSU for the first time, I knew that was where I wanted to go to school. Being from California, however, it seemed that the out-of-state tuition would be an impossible barrier. WUE allowed me to pursue my dreams, and going to school in another state has been educational in far more ways that just taking classes. I love seeing how people live their lives in other parts of the country, and I am a more well-rounded person as a result. I get to work in a lab with professionals at the top of their fields, and I’m building a wonderful resume. Thank you for this opportunity!"

    Alexandra, California resident, Class of 2013, Colorado State University, Biomedical Sciences
  • "I’m from California and have spent the past four years studying at Colorado State University. WUE made my education affordable and allowed me to study out-of-state at the Ag College that was the best fit for me. Without WUE, I would never have been able to leave California, and I would have missed out on the opportunity of a lifetime. Thank you!"

    Mercedes, California resident, Class of 2011, Colorado State University, Equine Science/Agricultural Business
  • "The WUE made out-of-state for college possible for me. I was able to seek a degree that was not widely offered in my home state, and it allowed me to find a program that was best fit for my career goals."

    J. Salts, California resident, Class of 2013, Colorado State University, Environmental Horticulture
  • "WUE helped me go to the college that had the best academic opportunities for my academic and career goals. Without it, I would have had to turn down some amazing opportunities because of the expense of out-of-state tuition. My educational path would have been a lot different without WUE. Thank you!"

    Kelly, California resident, Class of 2014, Colorado State University, Animal Science
  • "Thanks to WUE I’m able to come to Colorado State University and study both of my areas of interest! They have a strong music program and are one of the few schools that offer zoology as a major. It has been an awesome experience getting to know new people and going to school out-of-state. And, my education here will be good preparation for vet school later."

    Mely, California resident, Class of 2014, Colorado State University, Zoology and Music
  • "I had visited three other universities when my family and I went to visit CSU. I instantly fell in love with the campus and their equine sciences program. There was one problem, though. I would be an out-of-state student, which meant my parents would have to take out some serious loans to send me there. WUE made CSU affordable, and I don’t have to worry about bankrupting my parents or being in debt when I finish my degree. No words can adequately express how much WUE has meant to me and my family, but I hope my story will illustrate the difference it makes for students and their families."

    Nicole, California resident, Class of 2012, Colorado State University, Equine Science
  • melanie-ca-wue.jpg
    "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."

    Melanie, California resident, Class of 2014, Colorado State University, Equine Sciences and Pre-Vet
  • "Thanks to WUE, I was able to attend my first choice university. And coming to Colorado has given me opportunities to connect with potential employers that I never would have gotten to meet otherwise. I‘ve also been able to join clubs like “Collegiate Cattlewomen” which other schools in my state don’t offer. I am now one year away from teaching students and I am thrilled that I am getting to live out my dreams because WUE made them possible."

    Kacie, California resident, Class of 2012, Colorado State University, Animal Science & Agriculture Education
  • "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."

    Hannah, California resident, Class of 2013, Colorado State University
  • "WUE’s made my out-of-state education affordable, and even more, it’s been an excellent motivator to keep up my good grades through college—it’s helped me stay on track and focused in my studies. I encourage high school students to work hard in high school, so that they can qualify for WUE discounted tuition, which will give them more options of where they can attend college when it’s time."

    Kyle, California resident, Class of 2012, Colorado State University, Business
  • "Reduced tuition through WUE allowed me to enroll at my first choice university which happened to be out-of-state. Without WUE, it wouldn’t have been possible financially. In four years, I'll graduate with minimal debt, and maximum satisfaction."

    Emma, California resident, Class of 2014, Colorado State University, Equine Sciences
  • "I love Colorado State University; the students, teachers, and the Fort Collins community have become a home away from home for me, and the relationships and wisdom I have developed are irreplaceable. CSU has one of the top programs in wildlife biology, and without WUE, I would not have been able to go there. The WUE scholarship has truly been a lifesaver, and I am very grateful to have been selected to receive this reduced tuition assistance."

    Audrey, California resident, Class of 2012, Colorado State University, Wildlife Biology and Environmental Sociology
  • "Since graduating with my bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene, I’ve had ambitions of obtaining my master’s. Lack of an in-state program and financial burden of out-of-state tuition prohibited me from accomplishing my goal. Reduced tuition available by enrolling through WICHE’s WRGP has eliminated this burden and allowed me to fulfill my goal. I’m excited for the knowledge I’ll gain, and the new future ahead of me. Without WRGP, a master’s in Dental Hygiene was unobtainable. Thank you, WICHE, for giving me the opportunity to start something big!"

    Andrea, California resident, Class of 2012, Eastern Washington University, Master's in Dental Hygiene
  • "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."

    Dusty, California resident, Class of 2011, Southern Oregon University, Mental Health Counseling
  • cynthia.jpg
    "I wasn't entirely committed to attending graduate school at this time in my life until I heard about the in-state tuition opportunity offered through WICHE’s WRGP. The University of Utah’s distinctive technology-enhanced doctoral program in Social Work allows me to live in my home state and attend school on campus only 12 weeks. It’s let me continue with my career and family life while earning my doctorate. I am now in my third semester, have a 4.0 GPA, and have been able to work full-time for two semesters. Thank you WICHE! "

    Cynthia, California resident, Class of 2013, University of Utah
  • "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."

    Grace, California resident, Class of 2011, Primate Behavior, Central Washington University
  • "The WUE program has significantly helped me with my goal of becoming a teacher and in continuing my education. I am now able to go to my school of choice without the stress of figuring out how to pay for the out-of-state tuition. WUE has given me the opportunity to experience living and learning in a different state and in a place where I feel I can learn the most. I really appreciate the help WUE has given me -- without it, I could not afford such an experience. Thank you very much! "

    Leslie, California resident, Class of 2014, Music Education, Central Washington University