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

  • "I was eager to join the Oregon Health and Science University to earn my Doctorate in Nursing Practice working as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. However earning a doctoral degree in the nursing profession is a costly endeavor, especially if you're paying out-of-state tuition. Although I was fully prepared to cut out any and all superfluous expenses, the correlation between how financially indebted one is to how successful they can be in school is undeniable. The stress of accruing enormous school loans was overwhelming, which is why I sincerely appreciate WRGP! WRGP affords me peace of mind and the ability to responsibly pursue my dream of working with the underserved population desperately in need of mental health services."

    Iris, Oregon resident, Class of 2015, Oregon Health & Science University
  • "Before I was awarded the Western Undergraduate Exchange scholarship, I was limited to in-state study because of tuition prices, and none of the schools were the best fit for my academic goals. Thanks to WUE, I am able to attend my dream school -- Western Washington University -- and pursue a concentration along with my degree through the Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies. I am so thankful to be a recipient of this award because it allowed me to attend the college that fits me best. WICHE rocks!"

    Lauchlan, Oregon resident, Class of 2016, Western Washington University, Environmental Science
  • "WUE has helped me be able to attend a second year of college with less stress because I no longer work full time (just part time). That's increasing my grades and improving my college education."

    Macaulay, Oregon resident, Class of 2012, lCSC Lewiston Idaho, Collision Repair
  • "As a working professional who has already spent a great deal of money to attain a master's degree, I was hesitant to build up more debt at this time in my career. I chose to complete my doctorate in occupational therapy at University of Utah. The WRGP reduced tuition rate has made it financially achievable. I had been searching for the right opportunity for three years, and WRGP tipped the scales for me to do this right now in order to move ahead in my career. WRGP is an incredibly valuable program that makes it possible for students like me, who fund their own education, to return to university. Without it I would not have been able to fulfill my plans to obtain my doctorate. "

    Sandra, Oregon resident, Class of 2013, University of Utah, Occupational Therapy, Post-professional Doctorate
  • "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. "

    Jacob, Oregon resident, Class of 2014, Lewis-Clark State College, Elementary Education
  • "I'm interested in computer security and information assurance, a field vital to our continued national security. No universities in my home state of Oregon offer a strong program in information assurance, so WUE allowed me to attend one of the leading universities in the field in New Mexico. Not only am I able to attend one of few universities certified by the National Security Administration as a Center for Academic Excellence in both information security education and research, I'm living in a vastly different part of the U.S. than I grew up in."

    Jesse, Oregon resident, Class of 2014, New Mexico Tech, Computer Science
  • "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."

    Malinda, Oregon resident, Class of 2015, Lewis Clark State College, Paralegal
  • "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."

    Kevin, Oregon resident, Class of 2015, University of Utah, Mechanical Engineering
  • "With WRGP's support I made a career change and am now studying gerontology: the psychological, social, economic, political, and biological aspects of aging from an interdisciplinary perspective. Our population is aging, so I feel honored to be able to learn about and contribute to this dynamic field. Thanks to the gift of resident tuition, I'm getting the chance to explore a beautiful new state as a 'guest' and to study at a top-notch university. Why make education difficult or inaccessible and ever-so-challenging to pay back? I am glad WRGP was, and continues to be, there for me. Thank you, WRGP, for making the path of 'higher learning' easier."

    Natasha, Oregon resident, Class of 2013, University of Utah, Gerontology
  • "In a clinical psychology doctoral program, finding a "good fit" to foster your career aspirations is especially important. WRGP allowed me the ability to gain acceptance into a program specializing in Clinical Health Psychology, with faculty conducting research that closely aligns with my focus area. I look forward to the relevant research I'll be a part of and the amazing education I'll receive at the University Colorado Denver as part of my training to become a clinical psychologist. Thank you, WICHE, for affording me this opportunity!"

    Ryan, Oregon resident, Class of 2016, University of Colorado Denver, Clinical Health Psychology
  • "WUE has gifted me with independence, wisdom, and happiness, and I will be forever grateful for the rest of my life. WUE took me to Fort Collins to attend Colorado State University. It was no more than a fantasy when I applied: I knew my family (with four students) could not afford out-of-state tuition. WUE was the sole factor that flew me over the Rocky Mountains to attend my dream university and provided the opportunity to experience life. My time in Colorado has opened my eyes to the world and changed my fuzzy academic path into a distinct and inspired highway to success. I have WUE to thank for that!"

    Sarah, Oregon resident, Class of 2013, Colorado State University, Liberal Arts
  • "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."

    Shanna, Oregon resident, Class of 2009, Colorado State University, Integrated Resource Management, Agricultural Science
  • "WUE was the deciding factor when I was figuring out where to go to college. My WUE scholarship made attending CSU possible, and also gave me the opportunity to design my own educational experience without having to worry as much about the costs of tuition. Thanks to WUE, I was able to afford the “Semester at Sea” study abroad program; it was a life-changing experience that I will always take with me, and the skills I gained there will help me in my future career. "

    Katie, Oregon resident, Class of 2011, Colorado State University, Business Administration & Organizational Management
  • "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! "

    Malory, Oregon resident, Class of 2012, Colorado State University, Biomedical Science
  • "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."

    Emma, Oregon resident, Class of 2014, Colorado State University
  • "I’d always wanted to attend an out-of-state university and experience something new for my college years. WUE made this possible; I’m studying Family & Consumer Science Education at CSU and could not be more excited about the future. I hope to eventually teach in an inner city school district. My education here at CSU has been incredibly enriching and I’ve learned so much about myself by being able to head out-of-state for college. I’m forever grateful for WUE. Thank you!"

    Michelle, Oregon resident, Class of 2012, Colorado State University, Family & Consumer Science Education
  • "WUE made out-of-state tuition at CSU affordable. There’s no way I’d be here without it. Thank you!"

    Erin, Oregon resident, Class of 2012, Colorado State University, Anthropology and International development
  • "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!"

    David, Oregon resident, 2014, Colorado State University
  • ryan-or-wue.jpg
    "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."

    Ryan, Oregon resident, Class of 2013, Colorado State University, Natural Resource Management
  • "WUE opened up countless options and gave me the freedom to choose the best fit for me. Without WUE, there’s no way that I could have attended CSU. Thanks WUE!"

    Maeve, Oregon resident, Class of 2014, Colorado State University, Human Development & Family Studies
  • "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!"

    Laurel, Oregon resident, Class of 2014, Western Washington University, Elementary Education
  • whitney.jpg
    "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!"

    Whitney, Oregon resident, Class of 2014, Central Washington University, Musical Theatre
  • "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!"

    Kelsey, Oregon resident, Class of 2014, Central Washington University
  • "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!!!"

    Brea, Oregon resident, Class of 2013, Central Washington University, Primate Animal Behavior and Ecology
  • "As an Oregon resident from one of the many families that make too much money to qualify for financial aid but still struggle to pay for college, WUE meant that I could study in California as I had dreamed of, enroll at a college with a good business program, and take out minimal student loans. I can't even begin to describe how much the reduced tuition through WUE has meant for my family and me. I'll be forever indebted to the WUE program."

    Aften, Oregon resident, Class of 2012, California State University-East Bay, Business Administration, Accounting and Entrepreneurship
  • deryaA.jpg
    "WUE sparked my interest in high school because I was set on attending a school outside of Oregon. I opted for California State University, East Bay because I have family in the area. Out-of-state tuition is very expensive in California, and the reduced tuition was a relief for my parents who were putting multiple kids through college. As California budget cuts later increased, I saw fellow students struggle to pay out-of-state tuition because their home states weren't part of WUE. I am very grateful for the assistance. I‘ve since graduated and am waiting to enroll in law school."

    Derya, Oregon resident, Class of 2010, California State University, East Bay, Political Science
  • cMarkham.jpg
    "I will soon graduate from the Master's of Science in Human Resources program at Utah State University. WICHE's Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) has allowed me to enroll in this excellent program; without it, I would not have been able to leave Oregon and attend USU because of financial restrictions. I am thankful that Oregon and Utah participate in WRGP, as it has allowed me to further my knowledge and education. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity and experience!"

    Cari, Oregon resident, Class of 2010, Utah State University
  • "After 10 years of professional experience as an educator, I decided to return to academia for a master's in human resource management. My home state of Oregon only offered one such program in a private university, so the expense was prohibitive. Through WRGP, I was able to pursue my chosen degree in a partner state and I am thrilled with the quality of the program. WRGP truly made my higher education possible and I couldn't have done it otherwise. Thanks!"

    Matthew, Oregon resident, Class of 2011, Utah State University, Human Resource Management