Since 1979, Knocking at the College Door has analyzed the number of high school graduates for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
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Save Money on Tuition in the West
More than 52,000 students have saved a total of $703,000,000 through WICHE Student Access Programs
WICHE helps make college more affordable and accessible for students in the West at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies levels. Connecting students to educational opportunities in order to address regional workforce needs is the initiative that established WICHE in 1953 and remains central to its mission today. With hundreds of colleges and univerisities in the region particpating in these tuition savings programs, students have more choice than ever. And because WICHE’s tuition savings programs offer postsecondary institutions the ability to decide how they participate, state and campus leaders can tailor participation to strategically meet campus needs.
WUE made attending my dream university possible by removing the financial barrier of going out of state. Visiting Oregon State University confirmed it was the right place for me, and with WUE the cost was manageable for my family. It allowed me to pursue the college experience I’d hoped for.
Raegan Colorado resident, Kinesiology, Oregon State University
Our Mission
The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) works collaboratively to expand educational access and excellence for all residents of the West. By promoting innovation, cooperation, resource sharing, and sound public policy, WICHE strengthens higher education’s contributions to the region’s social, economic, and civic life.
Our Work is Guided by 5 Strategic Priorities
- Affordability & Finance
- Access & Success
- Workforce & Society
- Innovation
- Value & Accountability
Explore Our Region
15 states, 6 Pacific Islands. Click the map to see where WICHE is at work in your area. As a regional interstate higher education compact, WICHE collaborates with partners across the West to share knowledge, create resources, and develop innovative solutions that address some of our society’s most pressing needs.
Featured Work
Under the direction of the WICHE Commission, our staff oversees programs and services, activities, projects, and other key initiatives that strengthen postsecondary education and workforce development of the West, all of which are intended to advance WICHE’s mission.
Latest News
News Release
C. Scott Wo, of First Hawaiian Bank and Third-Generation Business Owner, Appointed to WICHE Commission
06
Aug 2026
BOULDER, Colorado – C. Scott Wo, lead independent director of First Hawaiian Bank, has been appointed to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) by Gov. Josh Green. Alongside his role at First Hawaiian, Inc, Wo serves as chair of the University of Hawai‘i Foundation and as a member...
News Release
WICHE President Demarée Michelau Elected as NWCCU Commissioner
30
Jul 2026
BOULDER, Colorado – The Board of Commissioners of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) has elected Demarée Michelau, who serves as the president of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), as a new commissioner during its July meeting. NWCCU accredits institutions of higher education by applying data- and evidence-informed...
Media Mentions
The Future of College Enrollment: Can institutions survive declining student numbers?
24
Jul 2026
This report by Sarah Glazer from CQ Researcher analyzes the state of current college enrollment, the historical factors that affect it, and weighs the value of higher education in general. Patrick Lane and Van Davis are quoted. View original source.
Media Mentions
New Push to Fix Calculus Bottleneck
23
Jul 2026
An article from Inside Higher Ed discusses how the Courseware Lighthouse Implementation Program from Every Learner Everywhere is helping reduce the hurdle of Calculus I for students pursuing a STEM degree. Laura Da Vinci is quoted. View original source.
Upcoming Events
W-SARA In-Person RSC Meeting
11
Aug 2026
The Annual In-Person W-SARA RSC meeting brings together members of the Regional Steering Committee to discuss and collaborate on the work of the RSC and SARA State Portal Entity duties including the review of proposed SARA policy modifications.
Legislative Advisory Committee Meeting
14
Sep 2026
The Legislative Advisory Committee (LAC) informs the WICHE Commission and staff about significant legislative issues related to higher education and offers a forum for members to discuss promising initiatives from across the region and to learn about policy-relevant research....
November 2026 Commission Meeting
05
Nov 2026
The Commission convenes in November 2026 to discuss and vote on action items pertaining to the diverse set of activities, projects, and initiatives that the Commission has prioritized as the focused goals and objectives for the WICHE region. For...