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Student Access Programs

Helping students save on tuition, transfer more easily, and gain strong credentials

WICHE operates three Student Access Programs that together saved approximately 50,700 students $613 million in AY 2023-24. Each program supports one of three educational niches: undergraduate, graduate, and professional health care studies.

Details that govern each program vary, but–by lowering the cost of tuition–they share a common approach. Students gain from increased choice and savings. Schools gain by optimizing enrollments. And states gain by growing the skills of those they serve and strengthening their workforce. It’s a true “triple-win.”

Report cover for Student Access Programs: By the Numbers AY 2022-23 Report
Webinar

Student Access Programs: By the Numbers AY 2022-23

WICHE is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2023! Watch this webinar to learn about WICHE’s oldest program, the Professional Student Exchange Program (PSEP), as well as the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), and the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP). Margo Colalancia, Director of Student Access Programs, and Kate Springsteen, Assistant Director of Student Access Programs, discuss the regional enrollment and savings offered by these programs as reported in this year’s Student Access Programs: By the Numbers report. Peace Bransberger, WICHE Senior Research Analyst, provides analysis on how these data align with national enrollment trends and projections offered by WICHE’s Knocking at the College Door. This webinar is the first in a series where WICHE experts bring you information and insight on important topics on higher education, policy, and more.

Recording
"Billie," Medical student from the Commonwealth of the Norhern Mariana Islands receiving his Medical degree from the University of Hawai'i, Manoa."Yasmine". Arizona, a WICHE WUE recipientScenic shot of antique outdoor clock. Inscription reads: Founded 1883, University of North Dakota"

“WICHE’s PSEP aid will be of great assistance in helping me achieve my long-time goal of becoming a physician. Thank you for increasing accessibility to professional education for those of us from the islands.”

— BILLIE

COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS
MEDICINE
UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI’I MANOA

“I was unable to afford out-of-state tuition, especially for a degree program in a field like acting that is difficult to break into. WUE allowed me to pursue my dream career and graduate with very little debt.”

— YASMINE

ARIZONA
THEATRE ARTS, ACTING
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO

“The WRGP tuition rate allowed me to earn a valuable education without forcing me to go into large amounts of debt. I’m thankful to be able to serve others in the future as a psychologist, and may not have had that opportunity without WRGP.”

— JULIO

MONTANA
PSYCHOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA

Benefited from WUE, WRGP, or PSEP? Tell someone about it.

Share this tuition-saving information through email or on social media:

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For more information, contact:

Margo Colalancia

Director of Student Access Programs, Programs and Services


303.541.0214

mcolalancia@wiche.edu

Cherie Curtin

Senior Administrative Coordinator, Programs and Services


303.541.0267

ccurtin@wiche.edu

Kate Springsteen

Assistant Director, Student Access Programs


303.541.0270

kspringsteen@wiche.edu