What is the WUE Program?

The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program that allows students from certain western states in the United States to attend out-of-state public colleges (160+) at a reduced tuition rate. WUE is an agreement among participating states and institutions designed to promote cost-effective educational opportunities within the western region of the U.S.

Here's how it typically works:

1. Participating States: The WUE program involves a group of western states, including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Each state has its own set of rules and eligibility criteria.

2. Reduced Tuition: Under the WUE program, eligible students from participating states can often pay a reduced tuition rate when they attend a public college or university in another participating state.

3. Eligibility: Eligibility criteria can vary by state and institution, but in general, students must be residents of a participating state, meet certain academic requirements, and apply to institutions that offer the WUE program.

4. Program Availability: Not all colleges and universities in participating states offer the WUE program, and the availability of the program can vary by institution and major. Students should check with individual schools to see if they participate and if their desired major is included. Visit: WUE Savings Finder - WICHE to see if your school makes the list!

Here are some schools that participate in the WUE Program:

• Arizona State University

• University of Arizona

• Certain Cal State Universities including Cal State, Chico and Cal State San Marcos

• Colorado State University

• University of Manoa at Hawaii

• Boise State University

• University of Idaho

• University of Montana

• Montana State University

• University of New Mexico

• University of North Dakota

• Oregon State University

• Portland State University

• Washington State University

• Utah State University

• University of Wyoming

To see the complete list of participating colleges and universities, download the WUE guide: WUE-onesheet-2023-1.pdf (wiche.edu)

Portland State University is a participating WUE school.