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

  • "WICHE's PSEP program has given me the opportunity to pursue a career in optometry while keeping my debt at a manageable level. Without the assistance of this program, my private practice aspirations would undoubtedly be put on hold for many years after graduating. This program is an incredible support for students and I am sincerely grateful!"

    Chris, Wyoming resident, Class of 2015, Southern California College of Optometry
  • "With the support from WICHE PSEP I was able to attend and fulfill my dream of becoming an optometrist. I will graduate this spring with a much lower debt load than most of my classmates. Without the funding, I don't know how I would have completed school. Thank you for the continued support. "

    David, Wyoming resident, Class of 2013, Pacific University, College of Optometry
  • "I’m a recipient of WICHE’s PSEP support which provides me with in-state tuition at the University of Colorado’s physician assistant program. Wyoming doesn’t have its own program, so my studies would have been exceedingly expensive without financial assistance from WICHE. I focused my applications for graduate school within the WICHE region because I knew it was the only way I could fund my post-graduate studies, and I was not let down. Without this program I would have paid over twice as much for my entire first year (over 50 credit hours) of school in Colorado, which makes WICHE an incredible “scholarship”. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity WICHE has provided me."

    Jessica, Wyoming resident, Class of 2014, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus
  • "After 25 years in the nursing profession, I became motivated to pursue a doctorate-level education. At the time I made this decision there was no DNP program available in my home state of Wyoming. Without WICHE's WRGP program, I would not have been able to fulfill this goal. Given the poor economy, I couldn't afford DNP studies if I had to pay full out-of-state tuition. Now I can offer my patients, colleagues, and community a "new and improved" me! WRGP provides an amazing opportunity for those of us in the Western states to use existing education resources without costly duplication of programs. Thank you for this opportunity!"

    Charlotte, Wyoming resident, Class of 2012, University of Utah, Doctor of Nursing
  • "WICHE's PSEP program gave me the opportunity to enter a healthcare program that isn't available in my home state. I'm studying at one of the best physician assistant programs in the country, and in the future, I'll help improve the wellbeing of the people in my home community. I am extremely grateful to the WICHE program for helping me realize my dream of becoming a skilled physician assistant. I hope the Wyoming legislature will continue to support students through this program, to give them similar life-changing opportunities that this program has given me."

    Jessica, Wyoming resident, Class of 2013, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Physician Assistant
  • "WICHE is one of the best access programs for educating healthcare professionals in the United States. With the rising costs of tuition, housing and other living expenses, the reduced tuition I pay thanks to PSEP is a huge help. The total cost of attendance for four years of optometry school is over $200,000. WICHE support reduces the costs to a much more manageable level. Students really need programs like WICHE; I hope that future healthcare students will have this program available for years to come."

    Kyle, Wyoming resident, Class of 2014, Southern California College of Optometry
  • "After graduating with my optometry degree, I returned to Wyoming and set out to buy a established community practice. My debt-to-income ratio was high, but fortunately not so high that it precluded me from securing a loan to buy my own practice. Thanks to the WICHE PSEP support I received in school, I was able to avoid private loans. Had I been forced to take those private loans, my debt ratio would have been much higher and my business loan would not have been possible. PSEP allowed me to attend my first choice school and come back to Wyoming to serve the people in a rural area. Thank you!"

    J. Hazen, Wyoming resident, Class of 2012, Pacific University, College of Optometry
  • "Four years ago I decided I wanted to be a physical therapist. My home state doesn't have a physical therapy program at the doctoral level. As I got closer to earning my bachelor's of science in Wyoming, I began thinking about how I was going to pay for graduate school to become a PT. My family and friends told me about WICHE's PSEP. I'm now paying in-state tuition as an out-of-state student at the University of Utah. WICHE's PSEP let's students like me get an advanced degree at an affordable price, stay in the West, and accumulate less debt. I am very thankful for PSEP. It's helping me pay for an education that I will use for the rest of my life."

    Dana, Wyoming resident, Class of 2015, University of Utah, Doctorate of Physical Therapy
  • "I am studying to become an optometrist at the Southern California College of Optometry. My home state of Wyoming does not have a optometry school, so my only options were out-of-state. WICHE drastically reduces tuition, which makes attending school much more affordable. And, I'll graduate with less student loan debt compared to other students. I am the first member of my family to attend post-graduate school, and I would like to thank the WICHE program for helping make my dreams a reality! I am excited to graduate and go back to serve the wonderful people of Wyoming. "

    Ashley, Wyoming resident, Class of 2016, Southern California College of Optometry
  • "The WUE program has provided an affordable option for my college studies. My options for majors were limited since my home state has only one university, so studying out-of-state was the best solution for me. WUE has allowed me to attend an excellent school and pursue a field of study that interests me, and graduate with less debt."

    Ashley, Wyoming resident, Class of 2013, Montana Tech of the University of Montana, Metallurgical Engineering
  • "I was fortunate to receive WUE as an undergrad at Mesa State College and then to receive PSEP support as a graduate student at Regis University. I grew up in Wyoming where there is no Doctor of Physical Therapy program, so I didn't have the option to study in my home state. When I interviewed at Regis, I knew it was the place for me, but the cost of private Jesuit education is extremely expensive and I knew I couldn't go there without help. I was overjoyed when I received word from WICHE that I was funded and could go to the school of my dreams! I feel much less pressure now to take a job after graduation that simply pays well because I'm buried in debt. I owe so much to WICHE's WUE and PSEP programs. Without them I would never be getting the wonderful education that I am today. I encourage Wyoming legislators to continue funding PSEP to keep professional education affordable."

    Sarah, Wyoming resident, Class of 2014, Regis University
  • "I am a Wyoming girl, born and raised, and am currently in my clinical year at ISU's physician assistant program. I am beyond grateful for WICHE's PSEP program and the state's assistance in my medical education. I commend the Wyoming WICHE certifying officers for their assistance during the application process; they are personable and very knowledgeable. I am so thankful that Wyoming is committed to providing professional education opportunities for its residents. With WICHE support significantly decreasing my debt, I will be able to provide quality healthcare with less financial strain. I am proud to represent my state and want to pay it forward when I begin my own practice in Wyoming. I want to express my deep gratitude to legislators who are committed to providing funding for this program. I vehemently urge our legislature and policymakers to maintain and increase WICHE PSEP funding. You have truly made a difference in my life!"

    Nikki, Wyoming resident, Class of 2013, Idaho State University, Physician Assistant Studies
  • "Knowing that WICHE's PSEP was available to me as a financial aid resource was an important factor in applying to physical therapy school. Almost every student preparing a professional graduate degree carries a tremendous burden, as they must borrow tens of thousands of dollars just for tuition alone; not to mention money for rent, food and transportation. Without PSEP I may have had to rethink career options or even delay my schooling. It gave me the confidence that I could financially support myself. I count myself very fortunate to have the opportunity to attend a great program with financial support from WICHE. PSEP has reduced my student loan repayment obligations by years, and I appreciate every sacrifice that has made this program possible. "

    David, Wyoming resident, Class of 2013, University of Utah, Doctor of Physical Therapy
  • "While living in Wyoming I'd wanted to go to graduate school for urban design for several years, but our state institution doesn't offer such a program. This forced me to look outside which meant high out-of-state tuition prices. I had to decide if these high costs were worth it in an uncertain economy. I was accepted to UC Denver's urban design program before they were granted WRGP status. Fortunately, the program was approved and I immediately sent in my acceptance to the school. I wouldn't be in school right now if it weren't for WICHE's WRGP program and their effort to make graduate studies affordable. WICHE opens up opportunities for Western students that might otherwise not be there."

    Jason, Wyoming resident, Class of 2013, University of Colorado Denver, Master's of Urban Design
  • "WICHE's PSEP played a critical role in giving me preferential admission to get accepted into physical therapy school. The certification process was simple, and having the reduced tuition is really helpful."

    Robert, Wyoming resident, Class of 2015, University of North Dakota, Doctorate of Physical Therapy
  • "I am currently studying optometry in Fullerton, California at one of the best schools in the country. Without a doubt, the WICHE program helped make this possible. With its preferred admission benefits, I was able to choose between two excellent schools, and I chose SCCO. Not only did WICHE's PSEP help me with admission, but it has made my schooling affordable for my wife and me. I absolutely encourage my home state of Wyoming to continue with the WICHE program to help other Wyoming residents become healthcare professionals. "

    Nikalous, Wyoming resident, Class of 2016, Southern California College of Optometry
  • "WICHE PSEP support is one of the main reasons I was able to apply to and financially justify going to veterinary school to achieve my dream of becoming a veterinarian. I applied to some of the best vet schools in the country and was admitted and funded through the WICHE program. I was able to choose the school that fit me the best, instead of settling for a program based only on affordability. I've been in vet school for over a year now and am having the time of my life!"

    Jana, Wyoming resident, Class of 2015, Washington State University, Veterinary Medicine
  • "The WRGP reduced tuition rate made it affordable to enroll in the online DOT education program offered through the University of Utah's Occupational Therapy Division. I pay resident tuition instead of nonresident so my family's lifestyle and finances are not significantly affected. I am excited about this great opportunity. I am able to continue working and live with my family while studying for a much desired degree. I plan to look for a faculty position in the near future and want to continue sharing my love for occupational therapy with students."

    Sheri, Wyoming resident, Class of 2013, Unversity of Utah, Occupational Therapy Doctorate
  • "I taught middle school Spanish in Wyoming for a few years, and heard about Utah State University's Second Language Teaching graduate program. Without the WRGP discounted tuition available through WICHE, I would have had to wait much longer to save enough to leave my job and pursue my graduate studies. WRGP made it possible for me to immediately enter the program and acquire the skills that I hope will be beneficial to second language learners for years to come. "

    Kyle, Wyoming resident, Class of 2013, Utah State University
  • "I just finished my first year of veterinary school at Colorado State University. Since my home state of Wyoming does not have a veterinary college, I was fortunate enough to be sponsored by my state through the WICHE program. This program has allowed me to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian. When I think of my classmates who are paying out-of-state tuition, I am so thankful that I have the WICHE program to help me keep my student loans to a reasonable amount. Even though Wyoming does not require WICHE students to return to the state after graduation, I plan on returning anyway because I want to give back to the state that has given me so much. I hope the legislators continue to support this invaluable program, even in these tough economic times."

    Amanda, Wyoming resident, 2015, Colorado State University, Veterinary Medicine
  • "WICHE has helped me so much. Words can not explain the gratitude I feel for receiving PSEP support. I will graduate in 2012 without the feeling of drowning in debt for a lifetime. I can begin a job without the pressure of paying back as many loans while my husband and I are starting a family. Thank you so much, WICHE!"

    Brianne, Wyoming resident, Class of 2012, Colorado State University Veterinary School, Veterinary Medicine
  • "I would not have been able to go to veterinary school without WICHE. The cost of tuition is already ridiculous; add onto that the cost of out-of-state fees and I would have spent the rest of my life paying off loans. While Wyoming does not require me to return after graduation, it is the only place that I would like to live and work."

    John Knudsen, Wyoming resident, Class of 2012, Colorado State University, Veterinary Medicine
  • "I am a physician assistant (PA) student at A.T. Still University in Mesa, AZ. My home state of Wyoming did not have a PA program, so I had to enroll out of state. WICHE’s PSEP has made attending PA school affordable. It has cut my tuition expenses dramatically. I am very grateful to this program. Without it, it would have been difficult for me to attend graduate school. It is my desire to come back to Wyoming to practice and return the investment made in me. I urge our legislators to continue to support this wonderful program."

    Ashley, Wyoming resident, Class of 2013, A.T. Still University/Arizona School of Health Sciences, Physician Assistant
  • "I feel extremely blessed to have received WICHE support. I have a wife and three children, so the amount of money I require is considerably more than a single student. My program is so intense that I would not have been able to work outside of class/clinicals and still do well. My home state does not have a PA program, so I knew that I was headed elsewhere from the very beginning. It was very much in my thoughts to apply to schools that were WICHE participants. I was able to go to a great school with great faculty who care about my education. I strongly urge anyone involved in decisions about WICHE to continue supporting this opportunity. It really makes a difference in the lives of those who are fortunate enough to receive it!"

    Joel, Wyoming resident, Class of 2012, A.T. Still University/Arizona School of Health Sciences, Physician Assistant
  • "I am currently enrolled at the University of Utah in the College of Nursing. The program has far exceeded my expectations, and I am most grateful that the college offers an executive format where I can engage in direct dialogue with my colleagues and professors every three weeks. The program was unavailable in Wyoming when I applied, and my travel time is greatly reduced with the close approximation of the university to my home in Wyoming. Without WICHE support, I would not be able to afford this program. Thank you to all who make this program possible."

    Leslie, Wyoming resident, Class of 2012, University of Utah College of Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • "I have long wanted to return to school to pursue an advanced degree, but living in Wyoming and having a family limited my options. I discovered an occupational therapy doctorate program at the University of Utah and decided that this was the program for me. The program is designed for working professionals and is entirely online. Courses are relevant to each student's area of study and allow each of us to pursue a specific area of interest. WICHE has made participation affordable for my family. In addition, the program has allowed me to pursue an advanced degree while remaining at home and continuing to work in Wyoming as an occupational therapist. I was so excited to discover the many positives that resulted from this partnership between higher education institutions; it provides unique opportunities for those of us who have strong ties and commitments to a small rural state."

    Sheri, Wyoming resident, Class of 2014, University of Utah
  • "The availability of the WICHE program made selecting my professional school simple. With the financial help it provided, I didn't second-guess going to one of the top schools because it might cost more in the long run. By being able to avoid private student loans, I've saved years on my loan payback. That means a lot to someone going back to rural Wyoming, where my patient schedule is limited by a small population."

    Jaime, Wyoming resident, Class of 2012, Pacific University, Optometry
  • "Without this program I would not have been able to afford getting a doctoral degree in physical therapy. My home state of Wyoming does not offer degrees in physical therapy at any level. I am very glad I was selected for WICHE PSEP support and was able to attend graduate school."

    Whittney, Wyoming resident, Class of 2012, University of North Dakota, Physical Therapy
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    "The WICHE program gave me access to some of the top medical schools in the Western United States and the unique opportunity to be part of a small group of students in the inaugural class at the University of Arizona's new campus in Phoenix. I was an EMT in Fremont County before I went to medical school, and I've matched into an emergency medicine residency program! The support of the Wyoming Legislature and the WICHE program have made it possible for me to afford medical school and pursue a career that will help us bring our family back home for good. As a bonus, my husband has obtained his commercial pilot's license and first college degree while we've been in Arizona, so we'll both return to Wyoming with new skills. Thank you, Wyoming, for your support! (Erik the baby thanks you too!)"

    Alicia, Wyoming resident, Class of 2011, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, M.D.
  • "WICHE’s PSEP was instrumental in helping me achieve my DVM at CSU. As tuition costs rise (particularly out-of state) and with a lack of response in salaries, it’s become prohibitive for many to obtain professional degrees. It’s truly because of PSEP that I’m able to pursue the career that I’ll look forward to every day! I’d like to extend my gratitude to the State of Wyoming for helping me achieve my life-long dream of working with animals and saving lives. I encourage legislators to continue support for this invaluable program that gives people the chance to make a difference!"

    Sarah, Wyoming resident, Class of 2011, Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine
  • "WICHE’s PSEP has allowed me to pursue my aspirations of becoming an osteopathic physician and surgeon. Thanks to its long standing partnerships with medical programs in the West, WICHE gave me preferential admission at a number of medical schools, facilitating matriculation into the school of my choice. Furthermore, the reduced tuition through PSEP has immensely reduced the debt I am accruing while I study. Without both of these, I would not be in medical school right now! Thanks to WICHE, I’m learning medicine, loving it, and excited to return to Wyoming to practice after I graduate."

    Joseph, Wyoming resident, Class of 2014, Western University of the Health Sciences, Osteopathic Medicine
  • "The reduced WRGP tuition I received made it possible for me to obtain a master's in agricultural sciences. I was able to learn information never made available to me before, in a new and different format. The program played an integral part in my personal growth and career development. I appreciated the ability to be a part of a hands-on learning experience that ultimately led me in the direction of agricultural law. Without WICHE I would not be prepared to protect the industry I love."

    Stacia, Wyoming resident, Class of 2009, Colorado State University, Integrated Resource Management
  • "I would not have been able to attend Colorado State, which was my dream college, had it not been for WUE."

    Carrie, Wyoming resident, Class of 2014, Colorado State University, Political Science
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    "WUE’s helping me to achieve my academic goals and follow my life-long dreams. Without it, I would not have been able to major in nutrition and have access to all of the wonderful resources this community gives its students. I look forward to taking my knowledge back to my home state when I graduate, in gratitude of all that WUE has given me."

    Olivia, Wyoming resident, Class of 2013, Colorado State University, Food Science & Nutrition with a Spanish minor
  • "Words aren’t enough to express my appreciation to the State of Wyoming and WICHE! I grew up on a ranch in Wyoming and have always wanted to live and work in a rural community. Thanks to PSEP, I was able to pursue my dream of becoming a veterinarian and I will be able to return to Wyoming. Without PSEP, students like me could not afford to return to their rural communities. Rather, we’d be forced to take employment in larger cities where earnings are higher, so that we could pay off our student debt. PSEP is a lifesaver for students who don’t have professional schools in their home state."

    Summer, Wyoming resident, Class of 2012, Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine
  • "Since there is no physical therapy program in my home state of Wyoming, WICHE's PSEP program was the only option for me that didn't involve crippling amounts of student loans. Thanks to WICHE PSEP’s extensive network of cooperating programs, I was able to choose from several excellent but otherwise unaffordable schools. Soon I’ll be graduating and will go back to Wyoming to practice. Thanks to WICHE, I am the first member of my family to graduate from college."

    Brian, Wyoming resident, Class of 2011, Eastern Washington University, Department of Physical Therapy
  • "In brief, PSEP has reduced my debt load. Having to go out of state typically means higher tuition, but PSEP saved me about $10K a year, for which I am grateful. As a 50-year-old, I will have much less time to pay off my loans and save for retirement, so every bit helps. Thank you!"

    Kent, Wyoming resident, Class of 2010, Eastern Washington University
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    "WICHE’s PSEP has allowed me to pursue my dream of becoming of physical therapist by providing me with reduced tuition. Without it, I may not have been able to attend the University of Utah’s program, nor receive the education that I value so much. Thanks to WICHE’s PSEP and the State of Wyoming, I’ll be able to serve others and achieve my professional potential."

    Ashlee, Wyoming resident, Class of 2013, University of Utah, Physical Therapy
  • "I cannot express enough gratitude for the WICHE Professional Student Exchange Program. My home state of Wyoming did not offer a professional degree in veterinary medicine. With PSEP support, I was able to choose from the best schools in the nation and pay in-state tuition. I am able to pursue my dream of small animal private practice, and do so without an unrealistic amount of student debt. Thank you Wyoming and WICHE for your support!"

    Dani, Wyoming resident, Class of 2011, Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine
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    "I am so appreciative of my chance to enroll through WICHE’s PSEP to achieve my degree in veterinary medicine. The program played a crucial role in making my dream of becoming a veterinarian possible; it allows me to focus on my education instead of the high financial costs. Continued support of PSEP will allow many talented students to pursue their career goals and produce dedicated professionals in critical fields that Wyoming and the other WICHE states need. Thank you to WICHE and Wyoming for giving me this opportunity!"

    Amanda, Wyoming resident, Class of 2011, Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine
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    "I am very grateful for WICHE’s Professional Student Exchange Program. I would never have been able to enroll in veterinary school without this wonderful program. It has allowed me to pursue my dream of becoming a veterinarian and start a family, as I got married and was blessed with a baby boy while in vet school. Thank you WICHE, and the great State of Wyoming, for supporting this amazing program to help out people like me."

    Danielle, Wyoming resident, Class of 2011, Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine
  • "I’ve always wanted to be a veterinarian, and growing up on a small ranch in Wyoming reinforced my aspirations. But I didn't have access to a veterinary school in Wyoming, so I would be paying out-of-state tuition at any institution I attended. Then I learned about PSEP, where I would pay in-state-tuition thanks to the support of my home state. Instead of facing tremendous student debt, I can now focus on my schooling without the looming dread of hundreds of thousands of dollars in loans to pay back! Thank you Wyoming, for helping me pursue my dream of becoming a large animal veterinarian!"

    Pam, Wyoming resident, Class of 2013, Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine
  • "As a Wyoming resident, getting admitted to medical school is challenging because we have no in-state program. WICHE’s PSEP provided me with options! The University of North Dakota’s School of Medicine has given me a strong medical education as well as a rich cultural and personal experience. I will graduate in May and plan to pursue a residency in orthopedic surgery. The value of PSEP is immeasurable, and I would advocate that the State of Wyoming continue to support students through WICHE’s PSEP. Without it, I might not have become the future physician I am today."

    Jared, Wyoming resident, Class of 2011, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences
  • "My counselor for my recent student exit interview informed me that the average optometry graduate owes around $130,000 in student loans! As a WICHE recipient, I can say that the support absolutely makes a difference. The WICHE PSEP support I receive from the State of Wyoming reduced my debt load and has allowed me the opportunity to pursue a one-year residency program in Oklahoma. With the advanced skills I’m learning, I’ll be qualified to treat more complex ocular conditions when I establish my practice in a rural area. "

    Dr. Kaila Osmotherly, OD, Wyoming resident, Class of 2010, Pacific University, College of Optometry