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Tips for High School Counselors: WUE Requirements
Help Students Make Cost-Effective College Decisions
Helping your students explore affordable college options is a key part of your role as a counselor. WUE, the Western Undergraduate Exchange, offers students across the West* a chance to attend public out-of-state schools at reduced tuition rates. This guide provides essential tips for navigating the WUE process with your students and finding the right school for them while lowering out-of-state tuition costs.
What is WUE?
WUE (woo-wee) is an agreement among more than 170 public colleges and universities in the West* that allows eligible students to choose from hundreds of undergraduate programs outside their home state and pay no more than 150% of that institution’s in-state tuition rate. Since full out-of-state tuition rates may exceed up to 300% of in-state rates, WUE increases the number of affordable public schools, making college within reach for more students, and reduces the amount of student loan debt.
*WUE-eligible locations include 15 U.S. states (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawai’i, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming) and three U.S. territories (the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and American Samoa). For more information, visit www.wiche.edu/our-region.
The Benefit of WUE
$615.5MTotal student tuition savings through WUE during AY 2024-25
$12,517Average savings per student during AY 2024-25
“College is expensive, especially if you attend an out-of-state school. WUE made it possible for me to attend my school and study diesel technology. Thank you so much! ”
Luis Nevada resident, Associate of Applied Science in Diesel Technology, Idaho State University
WUE Requirements and Eligibility
WUE offers significant savings, but students must meet specific eligibility requirements to apply. Here are steps you can take to help students understand the WUE process.
Determine WUE Eligibility
The following criteria is considered to determine student eligibility:
- Your student must be a resident of a qualifying Western state or territory*.
- The student’s school of choice must also be in this region but considered out-of-state (i.e. not in the same state/territory where the student currently resides).
- The school of choice must participate in WUE. (Not all colleges and universities in the West participate. Be sure to check first at wuesavingsfinder.edu).
- Check additional requirements noted below.
Help Students Search for Schools and Degree Programs
Search the WUE Tuition Savings Finder to see which majors are eligible for the WUE rate by school.
Not every school offers the WUE rate for all its majors. Each one is unique, so be sure you understand each school’s requirements and which majors are eligible for the WUE reduced tuition rate.
Discuss Admission Criteria and WUE Requirements with Students
In addition to the regular admission criteria, some institutions may have additional requirements for students seeking the WUE tuition rate. These include: a minimum GPA requirement, an early application deadline, or limiting the number of students at that school who are awarded the WUE rate.
Use the WUE Tuition Savings Finder and find contact information for your student’s schools of choice; reach out to them directly to check their WUE requirements. The student’s school of choice is the best place to learn its most up-to-date WUE requirements, as they may change their requirements from year to year.
Support Your Student During the Application Process
It is important to encourage your students to stay engaged throughout the application process. Many schools have an early application deadline for WUE applicants. If the student misses the deadline or applies for admission after the school has reached its quota of discounted WUE seats, the could miss out.
During the application process, remind them to contact the school’s admissions, financial aid, or scholarship offices to let them know that they are seeking WUE. Contact information for each school is available in the WUE Tuition Savings Finder.
Keep Students Informed
Depending on the student’s home state, it may cost the same or less to study out-of-state with WUE rather than through their chosen in-state school. Encourage students to use the following WUE resources:
- Tuition Savings Finder
- WICHE’s Annual Tuition and Fees Report (published every November).
If you are hosting a college night or college fair, these materials can be shared with parents and students
WUE Resources
These valuable resources can help you understand WUE, expand your students’ college options, and make their education more affordable.
*WUE-eligible locations include 15 U.S. states (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawai’i, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming) and three U.S. territories (the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and American Samoa).
