Here's what students and graduates are saying about WICHE's student exchange....
Kevin, Nevada resident, Class of 2014, Northern Arizona University, Business Management & Administration"If it weren't for WUE, I don't know how I would afford college -- especially out-of-state tuition, since it's so expensive. The fact that people are investing their time and money to help me be successful is overwhelming. WUE has helped me realize that I want to pursue a career in student affairs and higher education so that I can encourage students to pursue college studies and be successful too. So many students see furthering their education as a foreign concept and I want to help them break that limiting perception. WUE, along with the support of everyone around me, makes me realize that truly anything is possible."
Bryan, Nevada resident, Class of 2016, Pacific University, College of Optometry"Optometry school is quite an expense in and of itself, but thanks to WICHE's Professional Student Exchange Program, I don't have to worry as much about how I'm going to make my graduate studies affordable. I hope this program will continue to receive support and provide assistance to many more students across the western United States. Thank you WICHE!"- Jessica, Nevada resident, Class of 2015, Idaho State University, Dental Hygiene"WUE has helped me achieve my academic goals by giving me the opportunity to attend an institution outside of my home state. Without it, I couldn't afford to go to an institution with such an amazing dental hygiene program. Thanks WUE!"
Kiana, Nevada resident, Class of 2016, Northern Arizona University, Mathematics"WUE has helped me achieve my academic goals. It gave me an option to go to one of the best colleges in country and earn my mathematics degree. It has made out-of-state study affordable. "- Emily, Nevada resident, Class of 2009, Northern Arizona University, Environmental Science"I am so grateful for WUE. It allowed me to attend an out of state university in Arizona without paying full nonresident tuition. I graduated and was able to find a job in my field. Even though I returned to Nevada, I am so grateful for the opportunity and experiences that I had in Arizona. WUE has allowed me and many other friends and family members to access affordable education in fields that might not have available in their home state."
Vivianna, Nevada resident, Class of 2014, Northern Arizona Univerisity, Environmental Engineering"The WUE program has allowed me to study in another state without worrying about the debt I will have when I graduate. I am a first generation college student, and money has always been an issue concerning my college education. I am thankful for WUE because it's helped me and many other students to not only better themselves, but make life better for their families. Without WUE, I would have not been able to exceed academically and achieve my professional goal of becoming an environmental engineer."- Angela, Nevada resident, Class of 2015, University of Utah, Doctorate of Nursing Practice"A DNP program is not available in my home state of Nevada, which has been one of the hardest hit by the economic crisis. The University of Utah's "distance option" and the resident WRGP tuition rate allowed me to consider furthering my education. Now I'm pursuing my dream of becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner and making a difference in the lives of the kids of Nevada. I am a first generation college graduate in my family, so years ago I never would have dreamed that I would now be preparing a doctorate. Thank you!"
- Peter, Nevada resident, Class of 2007, Midwestern University Glendale, Physician Assistant"I was awarded WICHE PSEP support after I had started physician assistant school; I was very grateful as it helped a tremendous amount. PA school is very costly and it helped reduce the amount of loans I needed. I had good communication with the local office and had no problem fulfilling the service payback requirement of working with the underserved in my home state of Nevada. I highly recommend the program. "
- Keith, Nevada resident, Class of 2015, Roseman University of Health Sciences"After years of juggling work, school, and family, I was accepted into pharmacy school. Although I considered the cost of attendance prior to enrolling, I felt overwhelmed when it was time pay tuition. I even began to question my decision to enroll in the program that I had worked so hard to get into. Thankfully, I received notification that I was awarded WICHE PSEP support. Thanks to PSEP, I can more easily focus on my education and becoming the best healthcare professional I can be."
- Moriah, Nevada resident, Class of 2016, Colorado State University, Veterinary Medicine"I was born and raised on a ranch in rural Nevada so animals were a huge part of my life growing up. From a very young age I knew I wanted to dedicate my career to improving their health and welfare. Nevada does not have a veterinary program so completing my education in my home state was not possible. However, thanks to WICHE’s PSEP, I was able to pursue my dream profession at Colorado State University. Without WICHE, I would not have been able to afford it. PSEP made my life-long dream come true! I hope that our legislators will continue to appreciate how important the program is for so many students, and that they'll continue to provide funding to build Nevada's healthcare workforce."
Mikael, Nevada resident, Class of 2013, Roseman University of Health Sciences, Pharmacy"Being a first generation college student for both my undergraduate degree and my professional studies, it has always been a constant struggle of what I can and cannot afford. With tuition costs increasing every year, taking on the burden of student loan debt is daunting. Thanks to the generosity of programs such as WICHE's PSEP, I have been allowed the opportunity to pursue a career in pharmacy. I encourage my home state to continue supporting students through PSEP, so that future generations can also follow their dreams without taking on excessive financial burden."- Kimberly, Nevada resident, Class of 2012, Colorado State University, Veterinary Medicine"I was born and raised in Nevada, and unfortunately there is not a veterinary program available in my state. Thanks to WICHE’s PSEP, I was able to pursue my dream profession at Colorado State University at an affordable price. The value of this program cannot be expressed in words! I implore the legislators to continue to support this great program. Not only is it allowing students to get an education and become professionals, it's also making dreams to come true."
Christina, Nevada resident, Class of 2013, Colorado State University, Veterinary Medicine"WICHE's PSEP is helping me more than anything to achieve my goal of becoming a small animal veterinarian. Because my home state of Nevada does not have a veterinary school, I had no choice but to attend an out-of-state school for my education. PSEP is allowing me to study at Colorado State University for the in-state cost, which lets me incur significantly less debt. For this I am grateful. Veterinary school is stressful enough without the added financial strain. Thank you, Nevada, for your support of this important program!"- Jennifer, Nevada resident, Class of 2010, Washington State University, Veterinary Medicine"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. "
- Terry, Nevada resident, Class of 1997, OHSU School of Dentistry"WICHE made it possible for me to attend OHSU School of Dentistry. In 1993 Nevada did not have a dental school, and it was necessary for me to apply as an out-of-state student. Being a WICHE student made me a more attractive applicant to the dental schools. It also helped me avoid accruing an inordinate amount of debt. I am indebted to WICHE for providing the means that enabled me to obtain an education."
- Christina, Nevada resident, Class of 2013, Colorado State University, Veterinary Medicine"WICHE PSEP is helping me more than anything to achieve my goal of becoming a small animal veterinarian. Because my home state of Nevada does not have a veterinary school, I had no choice but to attend an out-of-state school for my education. WICHE PSEP is allowing me to study at Colorado State University for the in-state cost, which lets me incur significantly less debt. For this I am grateful. Veterinary school is stressful enough without the added financial strain. Thank you Nevada for your support of this important program!"
- Jackie, Nevada resident, Class of 2013, Colorado State University, History, Communications Studies, and English (Language Concentration)"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."
Connor, Nevada resident, Class of 2014, Colorado State University, International Studies"WUE allowed me to go out-of-state for college and obtain a great education in a new environment. "- Chelsea, Nevada resident, Class of 2014, Colorado State University, Conservation Biology"WUE gave me the chance to go to college out-of-state. Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to study at CSU, and their environmental program has been a great fit for my future goals."
- Olivia, Nevada resident, Class of 2013, Colorado State University, Civil Engineering"Without WUE, I would have not have been able to attend an out-of-state college. I am so thankful for the discounted tuition that WUE offers. It’s allowed me to fulfill my academic goals and it’s given me more opportunities than I would have had elsewhere. Thank you WICHE!"
Renee, Nevada resident, Class of 2009, Midwestern University, College of Pharmacy"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. "- Desi, Nevada resident, Class of 2014, Central Washington University"Without reduced WUE tuition, I would not have been able to afford college. Thank you! "
Dr. James Mann, DDS, Nevada resident, Class of 2006, University of the Pacific, Dugoni School of Dentistry"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."
Meghan, Nevada resident, Class of 2014, Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine"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."- Leslie, Nevada resident, Business administration, Class of 2012, New Mexico State University"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!"
Becky, Nevada resident, Western Washington University, Environmental Journalism"I had my heart set on studying something to do with the environment, but neither of my home state of Nevada’s two universities offered programs that fit my interests. WUE allows me to pursue my education out of state…. I’m enrolled in one of the top undergrad environmental journalism programs in the country!”"- Dr. Amanda C., DVM, Nevada resident, Class of 2009, Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine"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!"
Nicki, Nevada resident, Class of 2012, Pacific University, College of Optometry"My 'Aunt WICHE' from Nevada has made going to optometry school possible. Without her help, I'd be on a restricted diet of Top Ramen! My peers who don't receive assistance from family (like my Aunt WICHE) must go on food stamps to offset their meager loans. Thanks to WICHE's PSEP, I can pay my rent and buy required optometric equipment. I am proud to be a Nevadan: my state government supports me and values my future profession! I believe I'll be a valuable part of Nevada's healthcare system and I look forward to serving my state. "
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