Save Money As A Western Undergraduate Exchange Student
UCCS offers out-of-state students a unique opportunity to save money
Founded in 1987, The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a regional tuition-discount agreement that enables students from 16 states and territories to enroll in more than 160 schools, and pay 150 percent (or less) of the school’s tuition for in-state, resident students. WUE (pronounced “woo-ee”) is part of the Western Interstate Commission For Higher Education (WICHE), which has given many students from Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming the opportunity to study at UCCS.
WUE FAQs
UCCS has developed a transfer program that allows California Community College students to complete standard Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) requirements, then transfer to UCCS and complete their undergraduate degree program in selected programs in the College of Letters, Arts & Sciences. See the UCCS General IGETC Transfer Guide page for more information about the transfer program and applicable majors.
Before you can transfer through WUE, please answer these questions:
- Does UCCS offer your chosen area of study?
- Do you meet the admission criteria of UCCS?
- Have you applied to UCCS?
- Have you read the WUE FAQ to see how much you can save?
WUE does not have a standard application. Most eligible schools will include a WUE application within enrollment procedures. When applying to UCCS, you may fill out the WUE form. If approved, you are eligible to use WUE’s discount.
The estimated costs of the WUE program show major savings for out-of-state, full-time students:
The cost for students taking 12 credits per semester, 24 credits per year:
- Tuition and fees: $15,123.52
- With on-campus housing expenses range: $9,800-$13,400
- Total $24,923.52 - $28,523.52
The cost for students taking 15 credits per semester, 30 credits per year:
- Tuition and fees: $18,712.90
- On-campus housing expenses range: $9,800-$13,400
- Total $28,512.90 - $32,112.90
Unlike many financial aid opportunities, the WUE program does not assess whether or not students have extenuating financial needs. All eligible students may apply.
A return on investment. A degree to fuel your future.
Investing in yourself
The median salary for a UCCS alum just one year after graduating with a Bachelor's degree is greater than $37,700, which is higher than the median salary among all Colorado institutions. That median salary only grows over time. After 10 years, the median salary for UCCS graduates with a Bachelor's degree is greater than $58,700.