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

  • "WUE makes dreams possible. Without it, I wouldn't have been able to pursue my college aspirations in the manner I had hoped and planned ever since I was in 5th grade. One of my top priorities was to experience a new living environment, meet a more diverse group of people and gain exposure to a variety of educational opportunities not available in my home state. With college costs almost doubling in the past few years, I faced financial constraints which limited my choices. WUE made it possible for me to follow my dreams within my budget. I wake up every day excited -- and grateful -- to be working towards my scholastic goals. It is a competitive program, but worth every effort. I am proud to be a participant and I will always value the opportunity WUE provided me."

    Alex, Idaho resident, Class of 2016, Western Washington University, Biology and Anthropology
  • "The WUE program is helping me to reach my goals. Without it I would not be able to study at one of the top research institutions in the nation and pursue my dream of becoming a doctor. Thank you!"

    Josh, Idaho resident, Class of 2014, University of Utah, Biology
  • "I'm studying speech and language pathology at Eastern Washington University. I was enrolled as WUE student for my undergraduate studies and now and am enrolled through WGRP for grad school. I am the first in my family to receive a bachelor's, and now a master's. With student loans alone, I couldn't afford graduate school. Thanks to the low resident tuition rate I get through WRGP, I'll have an amazing career that I love, and I'll be able to help people for the rest of my life! I'm so glad that Idaho's a WICHE state, and so thankful that EWU's speech and language pathology program participates in such a life-changing tuition reciprocity program! "

    Brooke, Idaho resident, Class of 2014, Eastern Washington University, Speech and Language Pathology
  • "When I began the DNP program at the University of Utah, I was still paying off my student loans for my BSN and MSN. WICHE's WRGP program has allowed me to pursue my DNP without significantly increasing my existing debt load. In addition, I'm also an educator at the university level so my earning power is lower now than it was when I was practicing in the public sector. Adding another degree and its financial obligations to my decreased salary is a great concern. WRGP has allowed me to do what I need and want to do, as I am setting an example for my children and my students. "

    Jason, Idaho resident, Class of 2013, University of Utah, Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • "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"

    Shelby, Idaho resident, Class of 2015, Montana Tech of the University of Montana, Mining Engineering
  • "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."

    Helene, Idaho resident, Class of 2012, University of Utah, Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • "I've always dreamed of building an optometry practice, but overcoming the mountain of student debt will be a slow climb when I graduate. WICHE's PSEP has taken a huge chunk out of that financial burden, which will allow me to realize that dream much sooner than I ever thought possible."

    Kevy, Idaho resident, Class of 2012, Pacific University of Oregon, College of Optometry, Optometry
  • " 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."

    Bonna, Idaho resident, Class of 2012, University of Utah, Doctorate of Nursing Practice Family Nurse Practitioner
  • "Without support from WICHE, graduate school at Colorado State would have been completely out of reach. Because of WICHE I was able to attend and complete the IRM Program (M.Agr.) that allowed me to continue my education and help me gain powerful tools for the future in agriculture. Thank you, WICHE, for helping me to fulfill my career goals and objectives in the world of agriculture."

    Stetson, Idaho resident, Class of 2009, Colorado State University, IRM Program
  • "I came to Colorado State because I am interested in veterinary medicine; Idaho does not have a vet school. WUE helped me to be able to afford a quality education in the my field of interest."

    Danielle, Idaho resident, Class of 2013, Colorado State University, Biological Science
  • "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."

    Cassandra, Idaho resident, Class of 2011, Colorado State University, Computer Science and Math
  • "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!"

    Emma, Idaho resident, Class of 2012, Colorado State University, Anthropology
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    "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! "

    Jasmine, Idaho resident, Class of 2014, Western Washington University, Studio Arts
  • "WICHE’s Western Regional Graduate Program has allowed me to get a graduate degree at an out-of-state university that I wouldn't have been able to afford otherwise. Thank you so much for allowing me to continue my education. I am truly grateful for the reduced tuition rate offered by WSU through WRGP!"

    Sean, Idaho resident, Class of 2011, Washington State University, Food Science
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    "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!!"

    Josie, Idaho resident, Class of 2007, Washington State University, Food Science
  • "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! "

    Amy, Idaho resident, Class of 2010, Washington State University, Spokane, Health Policy and Administration
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    "I am so thankful for the Western Regional Graduate Program that allows me to pay in-state tuition as an Idaho resident while attending graduate school at USU. It has made a significant difference in my life and has enabled me to focus on learning and developing skills that will increase my competitiveness in the job market, rather than worrying about how to pay for tuition. I really appreciate the assistance and will be forever grateful!"

    Leah, Idaho resident, Class of 2012, Utah State University, Human Resource Management
  • "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!"

    Daniel, Idaho resident, Class of 2011, Utah State University, Human Resources
  • "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."

    Dylan, Idaho resident, Class of 2013, Pacific University, College of Optometry