WESTERN INTERSTATE COMMISSION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
www.wiche.edu
Background: The Commission was established in the 1950’s to support higher education opportunities in what are now the 15 member states. The states are:
Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming. The Governor of each state appoints commissioner (s) to serve on the board.

Programs:
1. The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). Students who are residents of WICHE states may enroll at participating two- and four-year college programs outside of their home state at a reduced tuition rate. Typically, it is in-state tuition plus 50% which is less than out-of-state tuition.
2. The Professional Student Exchange Program (PSEP) is a similar reduced
tuition program for professional programs. For example, law school, business school and med school.
3. The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRPG) again is a reduced
tuition program for students wishing to attend graduate programs.

How do students qualify: It is important to check each university to which a student is applying. All colleges or universities do not participate. For example, Washington State University does not participate in WUE but has a
program to assist out of state students from entire country called Compass. Visiting the university’s financial aid site will give you the individual school information. Many participating schools have a specific number of these WUE spots they offer each year. For that reason, it is recommended that students get your admissions application on or before then financial aid deadline which in many cases is February 15. The criteria for selection is NOT based on demonstrated need, but often is related to minimum GPA and/or SAT scores.