Studies show that every out-of-state student usually pay higher tuition fees. This may be true if you don’t know about the Western Undergraduate Exchange System. The WUE colleges and universities provide financial support to out-of-state students in some countries. Hence, learn about the list of the best WUE schools and some interesting facts about them.
Are you a student that is studying in an institution that is outside your state? Do you pay higher tuition in that institution you’re as an out-of-state student? This is an opportunity for you to get affordable tuition through the WUE schools.
The WUE is an agreement between public universities in the western states to provide students with each other education at reduced tuition fees. This reduces the burden on the families of most students that are studying their home state.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange WUE?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange is a tuition reduction program which the Western Interstate Commission offers for Higher Education (WICHE). In other words, it is a program that allows students to attend participating institutions in other states for reduced tuition.
Meanwhile, instead of the students paying full out-of-state tuition, they pay the regular in-state tuition plus 50 percent of that amount.
Additionally, it allows out-of-state students to receive tuition discounts. Students no longer pay above 150% of the in-state tuition fee compared to a steady out-of-state tuition fee that can be 300% of the in-state rate.
Let me explain the above statement with the example below:
California in-state students pay a tuition fee of about $5,742 at California State University. Students from top WUE schools pay $8,613 for tuition while other out-of-state students pay a tuition fee of $17,622.
Furthermore, the WUE colleges and universities can administer the WUE tuition reduction according to their own rules. Before you apply to any of the top WUE schools, ensure that you check the admissions or financial aid site of your choice of institution.
Which are the WICHE member states?
The following are the states that the WUE colleges and universities fall into:
What are the tips for applying to WUE Colleges and Universities?
The tips below will help you a lot while applying to the Western Undergraduate Exchange school.
Firstly, ensure that you review the WUE-specific admissions criteria for the institution of your choice. Endeavor to pay attention to any deadlines, additional forms, or majors that might be excluded. The essence of doing this is to avoid being caught off-guard during the application process.
Secondly, make sure that you work with a counselor. If you are a resident in one of the WICHE states, there are chances that your high school counselors know about WUE and cannot help you complete the WUE requirements. However, but they can help you with the rest of the application.
Meanwhile, many schools usually require that applicants provide their school profiles, letters of recommendation, or personal statements. Well, your school counselor can offer a great help on the resources and get the information that you need.
List of the top WUE schools
Below is the list of the best Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) schools:
#1. Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University is a public research university in Arizona that was established in 1899.
However, the university offers Flagstaff undergraduate students the Pledge Program. This program guarantees the same tuition rate for four years of study at the institution.
NAU which is one of the best WUE schools has an acceptance rate of 81% and a graduation rate of 51%. It has a student-faculty ratio of 19:1 while the WUE tuition fee at Northern Arizona University $16,759.
Northern Arizona University holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Address: 1899 S San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, United States
#2. Mayville State University
Mayville State University is a public university in Mayville, North Dakota that was founded in 1889.
MaSU which is among the top WUE schools has an acceptance rate of 48% and a graduation rate of 25%. Meanwhile, the student-faculty ratio is 16:1 while the tuition fee at MaSU is $19,700.
The university holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Address: 330 3rd St NE, Mayville, ND 58257, United States
#3. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
The New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology is a public university in Socorro, New Mexico that was established in 1889.
The institute offers more than 30 bachelor of science degrees in technology, the sciences, engineering, management, and technical communication. In addition, students can acquire master’s and doctoral degrees at New Mexico Tech.
New Mexico Tech is among the WUE colleges and universities.
It has an acceptance rate of 22%, a graduation rate of 49%, and a student-faculty ratio of 11:1. The tuition fee at New Mexico Tech stands at $35,153.
New Mexico Institute of Minning and Technology is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Address: 801 Leroy Pl, Socorro, NM 87801, United States
#4. Oregon Institute of Technology
The Oregon Institute of Technology is a public polytechnic university in Oregon that was founded in 1947. It has an undergraduate enrollment of 2,284 students.
However, the university offers 32-degree programs in engineering, health technologies, management, communication, psychology, and applied sciences.
Oregon Tech is on the list of the schools that offer WUE rates to out-state students. It has an acceptance rate of 61% and a graduation rate of 62%. Additionally, the student-faculty ratio is 15:1 and the undergraduate tuition fee is $ $10,485 (in-state) and $29,637 (out-of-state).
The university holds accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Address: 3201 Campus Dr, Klamath Falls, OR 97601, United States
#5. University of Alaska Anchorage
The University of Alaska Anchorage is a public research university in Anchorage, Alaska that was established in 1954.
The school is one of the best WUE colleges and universities. It has an acceptance rate of 83% and a graduation rate of 27%. In addition, the student-faculty ratio is and the tuition fee is $12,543.
UAA is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Address: 3211 Providence Dr, Anchorage, AK 99508, United States
#6. The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs is a public research university in Colorado Springs, Colorado that was founded in 1965.
UCCS is on the list of the schools that offer WUE rates to out-of-state students. It has an acceptance rate of 93% and a graduation rate of 43%. Additionally, the student-faculty ratio is 17:1 while the tuition fee at UCCS is $20,051.
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Address: 1420 Austin Bluffs Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, United States
#7. University of Wyoming
The University of Wyoming is a public land-grant research university in Laramie, Wyoming that was established in 1886.
It has an acceptance rate of 97%, a graduation rate of 55%, and a student-faculty ratio of 15:1. Tuition fees at the University of Wyoming stand at $17,490.
The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Address: 1000 E University Ave, Laramie, WY 82071, United States
#8. University of Nevada, Las Vegas
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas is a public land-grant research university in Paradise, Nevada that was established in 1957.
It offers over 350 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in different fields.
This school which offers WUE rates to students has an acceptance rate of 81% and a graduation rate of 40%. Additionally, the student-faculty ratio is 20:1 while the tuition fee is $11,582.
UNLV holds accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Address: 4505 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89154, United States
#9. Montana State University, Bozeman
Montana State University is a public land-grant research university in Bozeman, Montana that was founded in 1893.
It offers baccalaureate degrees in 51 fields, master’s degrees in 41 fields, and doctoral degrees in 18 fields through nine colleges.
MSU, Bozeman which is on the list of the WUE schools has an acceptance rate of 83% and a graduation rate of 52%. In addition, the student-faculty ratio is 19:1 while the tuition fee at the university is $15,411.
It holds accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Address: Culbertson Hall, 100, Bozeman, MT 59717, United States
#10. Eastern Washington University
so Eastern Washington University is a public university in Cheney, Washington that was founded in 1882.
However, the university offers more than 100 fields of study, 10 master’s degrees, seven graduate certificates, 55 graduate programs of study, and an applied doctoral program of physical therapy.
EWU has an acceptance rate of 96%, a graduation rate of 44%, and a student-faculty ratio of 21:1. Then, the tuition fee at Eastern Washington University is $11,393.
On the other hand, EWU is one of the colleges and universities that offer WUE rates.
The university holds accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Address: 526 5th St, Cheney, WA 99004, United States
#11. Weber State University
The University of Weber State is a public university in Ogden, Utah that was established in 1889 as Weber Stake Academy. In 1991, the institution was renamed Weber State University.
It offers over 250 certificate and degree programs through seven colleges.
Weber which is in the list of the WUE schools has an acceptance rate of 100% and a graduation rate of 40%. In addition, the student-faculty ratio is 21:1 while the tuition fee at Weber State University is $14,749.
Weber State University holds accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Address: 3848 Harrison Blvd, Ogden, UT 84408, United States
#12. Dickinson State University
Dickinson State University is a public university in Dickinson, North Dakota was established in 1918.
The University offers four-year degrees in over 75 fields of study through 10 departments. Additionally, Dickinson State which is among the WUE schools offers pre-professional and two-year programs. The university specializes in business management, teacher education, and nursing.
Dickinson State University has an acceptance rate of 99%, a graduation rate of 37%, and a student-faculty ratio of 10:1. The tuition at Dickinson State stands at $9,544.
The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Address: 291 Campus Dr, Dickinson, ND 58601, United States
#13. Boise State University
Boise State University is a public research university in Boise, Idaho that was established in 1932 by the Episcopal Church. The university offers over 100 graduate programs.
Boise State which is among the schools that offer WUE rates has an acceptance rate of 84% and a graduation rate of 38%. Its student-faculty ratio is and the tuition fee at Boise State University is $13,363.
Address: 1910 W University Dr, Boise, ID 83725, United States
#14. University of Hawaii Maui College
The University of Hawai’i Maui College is a public college in Kahului that was founded in 1931. It offers associate degrees, bachelor of applied science degrees, and certificates.
UHMC is among the list of the top WUE schools. It has an acceptance rate of 100% and a graduation rate of 87%. Its student-faculty ratio is 15:1 while the tuition fee at UHMC is $1,178.
The University of Hawai’i Maui College holds accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Address: 310 W Kaahumanu Ave, Kahului, HI 96732, United States
#15. University of Colorado Denver
The University of Colorado Denver is a public research university in Denver and Aurora, Colorado that was established in 1912. It has two campuses; one in Denver and the other one in Aurora. CU Denver also offers online degree programs.
This school which offers WUE rates has an acceptance rate of 65%, a graduation rate of 61%, and a student-faculty ratio of 18:1. The tuition fees at CU Denver $32,005.
Address: 1201 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80204, United States
#16. Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university in Minot, North Dakota that was established in 1913. The university is the third-largest university in North Dakota.
The university offers 60 courses of study at the undergraduate level and 10 courses of study at the graduate level.
MSU which is among the WUE colleges an universities has an acceptance rate of 69%, a graduation rate of 42%, and a student-faculty ratio of 12:1. The tuition fees at Minot State University is $7,064.
Minot State University holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Address: 500 University Ave W, Minot, ND 58707, United States
#17. University of New Mexico
The University of New Mexico is a public research university in Albuquerque, New Mexico that was established in 1889. It administers over 215 degree and certificate programs including 94 baccalaureate, 71 masters and 37 doctoral degrees through 12 colleges and schools.
UNM is among the list of the best WUE schools. It has an acceptance rate of 67%, a graduation rate of 49%, and a student-faculty ratio of 17:1. Tuition fees here stand at $7,929.
The University of Mexico holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Address: Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States
#18. Lewis-Clark State College
Lewis–Clark State College is a public college in Lewiston, Idaho that was established in 1893. It has an enrollment of approximately 3,600 students each year.
This institution offers over 130 degrees. It focuses on social work, criminal justice, education, nursing, and technical programs.
It has an acceptance rate of 100%, a graduation rate of 28%, and a student-faculty ratio of 14:1. The tuition fee at Lewis-Clark State College is $19,236.
Lewis-Clark State College holds accreditation from the Northwest Commission on College and Universities.
Address: 500 8th Ave, Lewiston, ID 83501, United States
#19. Colorado State University, Pueblo
Colorado State University, Pueblo is a public university in Pueblo, Colorado that was founded in 1933. It offers 31 undergraduate and 9 graduate programs.
This school that offers WUE rates has an acceptance rate of 95%, a graduation rate of 32%, and a student-faculty ratio of 14:1. The tuition fees at CSU, Pueblo is $28,787.
CSU, Pueblo holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Address: 2200 Bonforte Blvd, Pueblo, CO 81001, United States
#20. Black Hills State University
Black Hills State University is a public university in Spearfish, South Dakota that was founded in 1883. It has three colleges including the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Business and Natural Sciences, and the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences.
The institution offers over 80 majors and minors, 9 master’s degree programs, 6 associate degree programs, and 20 pre-professional programs.
Furthermore, Black Hills State University which is among the top WUE schools has an acceptance rate of 87% and a graduation rate of 34%. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 20:1 and the tuition fee is $14,807.
BHSU holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Address: 1200 University St, Spearfish, SD 57799, United States
Conclusion
The WUE colleges and universities allow students to attend out-of-state schools at a reduced tuition rate. On average, students save $9,000 a year in tuition to an out-of-state school.
It actually an opportunity for students not to limit their options to schools in their home state.
This makes the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) schools have a high population of out-of-state and international students.
FAQs on the list of the best WUE Schools
What is the WUE scholarship?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program for undergraduates that allows out-of-state students to pay 150% of the in-state tuition.
How can I qualify for the WUE scholarship?
1. You must have completed a 15 year-long college preparatory courses with a minimum grade of C.
2. You must possess a minimum GPA of 3.13.
3. You need to have a minimum ACT score of 22 or a 1070 (EBRW + math) on the SAT.
4. You must have graduated from high school by the end of the spring term prior to the fall enrollment of the institution.
Can a transfer student gain the WUE scholarship?
It depends. Some WUE schools will offer the WUE scholarship to transfer students while others will not. The institutions that do not offer transfer students WUE rates offer it only to incoming freshmen.
Can I get any major at the WUE rate?
No. Some majors are not available at the WUE rate. However, WUE schools have the option of excluding some majors from the WUE rate.
Can private institutions participate in the WUE?
No. Private institutions cannot take part in the WUE rates.
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