Here's what students and graduates are saying about WICHE's student exchange....
Paige, Montana resident, Class of 2016, Idaho State University, Speech Pathology"WUE has helped me achieve my academic goals by making it easier to attend Idaho State University. I am from Montana and none of the colleges had the program I was looking for. Idaho State University did, but without WUE, the financial burden would have been heavy and that alone would have made it difficult for me to complete my education. WUE has helped me get one step closer to my professional goal of becoming a speech pathologist."
Colby, Montana resident, Class of 2015, Idaho State University"I am very thankful for receiving the WUE scholarship because I can attend a school that I wouldn't have been able to afford otherwise. By attending ISU I now have the opportunity to fulfill my dreams of becoming a nurse so I can help others in their time of need. It's also great to experience living in a different area for awhile before returning to Montana to start my career."- Teneeka, Montana resident, Class of 2016, Idaho State University"Thanks to WUE, my dream to go to college out of state became achievable. Coming from a low income family, going to college at all was a stretch, let alone the university of my dreams! "
Heather, Montana resident, Class of 2015, Oregon State University, Veterinary Medicine"I am currently a student at Oregon State University and gratefully enrolled as a WICHE PSEP student. I grew up in Montana wondering how I was going to be able to accomplish my goal of becoming a veterinarian. I started work with the U.S. Forest Service as a firefighter right out of high school, to try and save enough money to pay out-of-state veterinary tuition. Had it not been for WICHE I would still be fighting fires! Thank you Montana for this amazing opportunity. I look forward to returning to my home state of Montana to share my skills with our residents and provide care for their companion animals and livestock. "- Bryan, Montana resident, Class of 2016, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine"I feel so grateful for the opportunity to study medicine at UCSD. WICHE's PSEP has enabled me attend a top-notch medical school and pay a reasonable tuition rate. It's also given me the freedom to choose a specialization based on my own interests and talents, rather than more lucrative specialties that would easily pay off my loans. My interests lie in working with underserved populations, and this would have been difficult to do with a sizable debt load. Thank you so very much to my home state of Montana and WICHE. I promise to make the most of this generous gift."
Laura, Montana resident, Class of 2014, Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences"I come from a family of five children. Growing up my parents constantly stressed the importance and value of acquiring an education beyond high school. Currently, all of us have achieved an undergraduate degree and several of us are pursuing professional degrees as well. Needless to say, money has always been a struggle for my parents who are constantly trying to help support all of our educational aspirations. When I decided I wanted to study veterinary medicine, I thought that being from Montana meant there were no affordable, in-state options for vet school. But then I learned about WICHE's PSEP program. Honestly, attending vet school would be impossible without the WICHE support I receive each year from Montana. It has truly changed my life! I am currently in my third year of school at CSU and I am loving every minute of it. I am so incredibly thankful for the funding I receive that no words can even come close to expressing my overwhelming gratitude for this program. "
Charles, Montana resident, Class of 2016, University of North Dakota, School of Medicine"I am a resident of Montana and am currently studying medicine at the University of North Dakota School. Montana does not have a medical school and most medical schools have limited spots for out of state students. Thanks to WICHE's PSEP, I was considered for admittance to North Dakota's medical program. Enrolling at UND has also allowed me the opportunity to stay in a rural state, and with lower debt I will have more freedom in choosing my specialty. I want to return to my home state to practice medicine. I believe that WICHE PSEP support has a huge impact on the future of the medical community in rural states. "- Kelly, Montana resident, Class of 2014, Eastern Washington University, Speech-Language Pathology"Growing up in Montana, I always knew I wanted to get out and explore the diverse experiences available in a bigger city and state. WRGP made it possible for me to attend graduate school in Washington where I am already gaining valuable opportunities that will shape my career as a speech-language pathologist. Without the support of WRGP, my goal of going out of state to obtain my master's wouldn't have been possible. When I graduate, my debt load will be much lighter and that will allow me to provide services in the areas of early intervention and the public school system. I am blessed to call Montana home and plan on returning in the future to work with children with communication disorders."
- Hannah, Montana resident, Class of 2016, University of North Dakota, School of Medicine"Because Montana has no medical school, I had to go out of state for my physician studies. It was only through the WICHE PSEP program that I received preferential admission to UND, and WICHE support has reduced my tuition and decrease my loans by almost 30 percent. I am so thankful for my home state of Montana's funding through WICHE. I plan to return to serve as a physician in a rural Montana hospital following my graduation and residency. Thank you for making my career possible!"
- Ryan, Montana resident, Class of 2016, Oregon State University, Veterinary Medicine"WICHE gave me the financial means to attend veterinary school. It also gave me preferential admission and I wasn't required to travel for any interviews which saved me time and expense in travel and lost wages. I would like to thank the taxpayers of Montana for supporting me through WICHE. What I will bring back in veterinary service to my home state will be worth every penny. WICHE's PSEP is a good investment for the State of Montana."
Ariana, Montana resident, Class of 2015, Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine"Montana lacks a veterinary school but WICHE's PSEP program makes it possible for me to attend WSU and pay only resident tuition. The support fee provided by Montana on my behalf cuts my student debt in half! Less student debt means I can afford to return to Montana after graduation and have a veterinary practice. Thank for you giving me this opportunity!"
Carsyn, Montana resident, Class of 2013, Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine"My top choice for veterinary school was Colorado State University. Being from Montana, paying out-of-state tuition influenced my ability to attend. When I was accepted as a WICHE PSEP student, I was ecstatic! Going to CSU was a dream come true, and I am excited to return to Montana after graduation to practice. I strongly encourage our Montana legislators to continue support for this valuable program. Thank you Montana for giving me this opportunity!"- Ben, Montana resident, Class of 2012, Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine"The WICHE program made it possible for me to achieve my dream of becoming a doctor of veterinary medicine. I would not have been able to attend veterinary school without this financial assistance--the income for veterinarians is not sufficient to pay back the massive amounts of debt that out-of-state tuition entails. I plan on moving back to Montana and practicing veterinary medicine there, and this would not have been possible without the State of Montana's support. I urge Montana legislators to continue to fund this valuable program that gives Montana residents an affordable DVM education, so that we can return and help cover the shortage of professionals in rural areas the state."
- Jonna, Montana resident, Class of 2013, Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health, Doctor of Dental Medicine"Montana does not have a dental school, so I had to go out of state to pursue my professional endeavors. I am very fortunate to receive help through WICHE's Professional Student Exchange Program (PSEP) because the funding has helped me cover part of the cost of my dental education. Unlike many of my peers (including several students from Montana), I will not have an overwhelming amount of school loans when I graduate; thus, I will be in the position to return to Montana and provide oral health services to our underserved populations. PSEP is an invaluable program that not only helps students finance their professional education but also encourages them to return to their home state and provide needed services to their communities. Thank you, WICHE, for giving me the opportunity to pursue my career goals."
- Mallory, Montana resident, Class of 2012, Touro University, Nevada"I am studying medicine at Touro University in Nevada and am enrolled through WICHE's PSEP. My home state did not have a medical school, and with WICHE I am able to attend medical school out of state at a low cost. I encourage legislators to continue to support the WICHE programs, which allow many students the opportunity to expand their educational experiences at an affordable cost. I plan to return to Montana as an ob-gyn and provide healthcare to an ever-growing state that is in need of young physicians. Thank you for this opportunity and support; without the financial aide I would not have been able to pursue my dreams!"
- Kyle, Montana resident, Class of 2015, Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine, Medicine"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."
Joel, Montana resident, Class of 2012, University of Hawai'i, Asian and Comparative Philosophy"The philosophy department at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa is essentially one of a kind. There is no other department in the United States that provides skills in both traditional Western philosophy and comparative philosophy with Asian traditions. More importantly, there is no other school where this level of philosophy is offered alongside high-level language studies. I wanted to study classical Chinese philosophy in a place where I could learn the classical language of China. To be able to learn philosophy from faculty who were internationally recognized for their translations and philosophical contributions in Asian and comparative philosophy is important to my long-term goals of teaching and publishing in this field. Hawai'i is one of the most expensive places to live in the world, and there is no way I would have been able to justify a move to the island without the promise of the reduced tuition through the WRGP."
Michael, Montana resident, Class of 2014, University of Colorado, Dental Medicine"Out-of-state tuition for dental school is very expensive, and the cost is rising every year. I'm from Montana, which doesn't have a dental school, so I figured there was no way around an enormous debt load. Fortunately, the WICHE program helped me out, cutting my tuition almost in half, for which I am extremely grateful. I'm currently in my second year at the University of Colorado and looking forward to the day I move back to Montana to start my practice and give a little back to the state that has given me so much."- Samantha, Montana resident, Class of 2015, Washington State University, Veterinary Medicine"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."
- Kalie, Montana resident, Class of 2012, Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Medicine"Because Montana does not have osteopathic or allopathic medical schools, PSEP allows me to attend my current institution for a reduced cost, closer to what students pay at their home institutions. I appreciate the PSEP financial assistance more than I can express in words; WICHE has allowed me to flourish in another institution, and I am helping supporting higher education in Montana. I would love to return to Montana to practice medicine in the near future."
Kehli, Montana resident, Class of 2011, Montana Tech of the University of Montana, Master's of Science in Technical Communication"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."- Beth, Montana resident, Class of 2011, University of North Dakota, School of Medicine"Applying to medical school is especially competitive for Montana residents because we have no medical school. Thankfully WICHE’s PSEP has cooperating schools that will accept out-of-state students. I was accepted to the University of North Dakota; their patient-centered curriculum suited my style of learning and helped prepare me for my clinical years. My rural family medicine rotation led me to specialize in family medicine. Next year I start my residency and can't wait to get back to Montana to practice! I am very thankful for the financial help and program access that PSEP provides."
- Michael, Montana resident, Class of 2014, University of Colorado Denver, School of Dental Medicine"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!"
- Katie, Montana resident, Class of 2004, Washington State University, Veterinary Medicine"PSEP saved me a lot of money. It allowed me to be in a financial position to start my own practice in 2007. This may not have been feasible if I'd had to pay out-of-state tuition."
- Allyson, Montana resident, Class of 2014, Colorado State University, Wildlife Biology"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."
- Meghan, Montana resident, Class of 2014, Colorado State University, Psychology & Spanish"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. "
- Heidi, Montana resident, Class of 2014, Colorado State University, Nutrition and Food Science"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."
- Kariann, Montana resident, 2011, Washington State University - College of Veterinary Medicine"WICHE’s PSEP has been very instrumental in helping me reach my goal of becoming a mixed-animal general practitioner. I will graduate in a few short months from Washington State University with only half of the debt load of my colleagues must bear, thanks to WICHE and my family. WICHE has allowed me to keep my debt to a reasonable amount, so that I will be able to evaluate all of the job opportunities ahead of me and begin married life without worrying about the financial burden of my seven years of education."
Dr. Rachel Ott, MD, Montana resident, Class of 2010, University of North Dakota School of Medicine"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."
Perrie, Montana resident, Class of 2014, Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine"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."
Tim, Montana resident, Class of 2013, Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine"I'm from Montana, and without WICHE’s PSEP it would have been almost impossible to (1) gain entry into veterinary school and (2) be able to afford it. This program will help me achieve my dream of becoming a veterinarian and assist me in keeping my debt load low enough to be able to work in a rural setting. As a first generation college graduate I am thankful for this opportunity and look forward to returning to my home state to serve the residents of Montana."- Amy, Montana resident, Spring 2013, Pacific University, Occupational Therapy"There is no Occupational Therapy program in Montana so I was concerned about the expense of out-of-state and private tuition. Fortunately, WICHE’s PSEP gave me access to a strong network of cooperating schools at an affordable price. I’m now attending Pacific University and discovering my dream career. I am so grateful for WICHE and Montana’s financial support. Thank you!"
Emily, Montana resident, Class of 2012, Portland State University, Special Education and Visually Impaired Learners"WICHE's played an important role in my education. I first used WUE to attend college in Alaska while I was a resident of Washington. I earned my bachelor's degree and met my husband there; he was also a WUE student! Now, I’m enrolled through WRGP to attend PSU while I reside in Montana. I have a blind son and want to teach the visually-impaired. Thanks to WRGP, I’ll be a better educator for my son and children like him. WICHE’s student exchange programs have been invaluable to me and my family, and I hope to see them active for many years. Perhaps my children will use them in the future!"- Nicole, Montana resident, Class of 2012, Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine"Montana does not have a veterinary school and out-of-state tuition is typically $30K more than in-state. Without WICHE funding, I may not have been able to attend vet school. If I had had to take out student loans, I would have finished with $250K in debt. I was ecstatic when I received WICHE funding! I cannot express how thankful I am that WICHE has PSEP, and I fully support its continued funding. Once finished, I plan on doing an internship and a residency in equine medicine. Then I’ll return to Montana to pursue my career and raise my family."
- Marisa, Montana resident, Class of 2011, University of Arizona, College of Medicine"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.”"
- Katrina, Montana resident, Class of 2013, Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine"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! "
- Mary, Montana resident, Class of 2014, Writing Specialization, Central Washington University"There were very few programs in Montana that offered Writing as a major. The WUE program was a huge help and gave me an affordable out-of-state option. I plan to continue my studies in Washington. The WUE program has made my dream career in writing possible!"
Katherine, Montana resident, Class of 2013, Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine"The cost of veterinary school is substantial for anyone, but for students from humble backgrounds, especially those that want to return to their home states and towns, the high cost can be a deal-breaker. I would have had to seriously reconsider my dream of becoming a veterinarian without WICHE PSEP support. And, the preferential admission that WICHE students receive substantially increases our odds of getting accepted into vet school as out-of-state residents. I am truly grateful for the support I've received and hope that Montana will continue to fund this vital program."- Katie, Montana resident, Class of 2014, Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine"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."
- Bobbi Jo, Montana resident, Class of 2012, Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine"Without WICHE I would never have been able to fulfill my lifelong dream of being a veterinarian. Upon graduation, I plan to return to my home state of Montana to practice veterinary medicine. Without WICHE support, this would not be feasible. I am so thankful that I had WICHE as an option, and I hope that others from my Montana with similar dreams will also benefit from this program! "
Kelsey, Montana resident, Class of 2012, Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine"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!"- Kris, Montana resident, Class of 2011, Pacific University, College of Optometry"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. "
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