The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a transformative initiative aimed at providing financial support to out-of-state students attending public universities in the western United States. Established by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), WUE schools offer significant tuition discounts, making education more accessible for students from participating states. As competition among universities grows and tuition fees continue to climb, WUE schools stand out as a viable option for many families seeking quality education without the hefty price tag.
What is WUE?
WUE is a tuition reduction program that allows students from participating states to pay reduced tuition rates at various public colleges and universities across the West. Instead of paying out-of-state tuition—which can reach 300% of in-state rates—WUE students generally pay only 150% of the in-state tuition.
For example, a California resident attending California State University pays around $5,742, while a WUE student would pay approximately $8,613—substantially lower than the typical out-of-state tuition of about $17,622.
WUE Participating States
The following states participate in the WUE program:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- South Dakota
- Utah
- Washington
- Wyoming
Each WUE school may have its own set of eligibility criteria for the WUE discount, so it’s crucial for prospective students to check individual school websites for details.
Which Schools are in the WUE Program?
Here’s a comprehensive list of WUE schools along with amazing facts about each one. Note that many popular universities do not participate in the WUE program, including the University of Washington, University of Oregon, and the University of California campuses (except UC Merced).
20. Northern Arizona University
- Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
- Tuition: $14,619
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Highlight: With nearly 120 years of history, NAU offers a robust student-centered experience through rigorous academic programs and world-renowned faculty.
19. Mayville State University
- Location: Mayville, North Dakota
- Tuition: $19,700
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Highlight: Founded in 1889, Mayville State focuses on teaching excellence in a supportive learning environment.
18. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
- Location: Socorro, New Mexico
- Tuition: $35,153
- Acceptance Rate: 22%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Highlight: Known for its engineering programs, especially mechanical engineering, New Mexico Tech boasts a campus with cutting-edge research facilities.
17. Oregon Institute of Technology
- Location: Klamath Falls, Oregon
- Tuition: $15,235
- Acceptance Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Highlight: Oregon Tech is recognized for its commitment to sustainability and was the first to offer an undergraduate program in renewable energy engineering.
16. University of Alaska Anchorage
- Location: Anchorage, Alaska
- Tuition: $12,543
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 31%
- Highlight: UAA has a strong focus on health sciences, offering various nursing programs alongside diverse liberal arts degrees.
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15. The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
- Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Tuition: $20,051
- Acceptance Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Highlight: UCCS is known for its innovative academic programs and small class sizes, enhancing student-faculty interaction.
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14. University of Wyoming
- Location: Laramie, Wyoming
- Tuition: $17,490
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Highlight: The University offers unique outdoor education programs and robust community engagement initiatives. UW students earn academic credit by taking National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) classes.
13. University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Tuition: $11,582
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 39%
- Highlight: UNLV excels in hospitality management and offers a variety of graduate programs, including a respected law school.
12. Montana State University, Bozeman
- Location: Bozeman, Montana
- Tuition: $15,411
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Highlight: MSU is the state’s flagship university, known for its strong emphasis on research and hands-on learning experiences.
11. Eastern Washington University
- Location: Cheney, Washington
- Tuition: $11,393
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Highlight: EWU offers diverse programs with a particular focus on STEM fields and has several campus locations throughout Washington.
10. Weber State University
- Location: Ogden, Utah
- Tuition: $14,749
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Highlight: Weber State is known for its comprehensive undergraduate programs and has a vibrant alumni network.
9. Lewis-Clark State College
- Location: Lewiston, Idaho
- Tuition: $19,236
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 30%
- Highlight: LCSC is dedicated to meeting the educational needs of Idahoans and has a strong focus on professional-technical programs.
8. Dickinson State University
- Location: Dickinson, North Dakota
- Tuition: $9,544
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Highlight: DSU focuses on accessible education that promotes cultural and economic development in the region.
7. Boise State University
- Location: Boise, Idaho
- Tuition: $13,363
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Highlight: Boise State offers over 170 academic programs and has a thriving campus community in Idaho’s capital.
6. University of Hawaii Maui College
- Location: Kahului, Hawaii
- Tuition: $1,178
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 87%
- Highlight: This college offers a unique environment with programs focused on culinary arts and sustainable practices.
5. University of Colorado Denver
- Location: Denver, Colorado
- Tuition: $32,005
- Acceptance Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Highlight: CU Denver is noted for its urban campus and diverse academic offerings, including business and health sciences.
4. Minot State University
- Location: Minot, North Dakota
- Tuition: $7,064
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Highlight: MSU emphasizes community engagement and offers a variety of popular programs in business and education.
3. University of New Mexico
- Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Tuition: $7,929
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Highlight: UNM is a Hispanic-Serving Institution and features a wide array of student organizations, enhancing campus life.
2. Colorado State University, Pueblo
- Location: Pueblo, Colorado
- Tuition: $28,787
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 32%
- Highlight: CSU-Pueblo offers hands-on research opportunities and small class sizes, fostering a strong learning environment.
1. Black Hills State University
- Location: Spearfish, South Dakota
- Tuition: $14,807
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
- Highlight: BHSU is known for its rolling admissions policy, making it accessible for many students.
Conclusion
The WUE program significantly enhances educational access for out-of-state students by offering substantial tuition discounts. As families increasingly seek affordable options for quality education, WUE schools provide a remarkable opportunity for students across the Western U.S. and beyond. Whether you’re looking for specific programs, campus culture, or academic excellence, these top WUE schools offer diverse options to meet your needs.
For more information about the WUE program and to explore individual schools, be sure to visit
