Tuition reduced on the western front
Tyler Boyle
When the semester ends, many will move on from MCC to pursue a four-year degree. For those not going out-of-state due to tuition costs, it may be time to reconsider.
The Western Graduate Exchange also known as W.U.E., offers tuition discounts for out-of-state students at public universities and community colleges. Offering tuition discounts is W.U.E.’s sole purpose and is offered in 9 western states, Alaska, and Hawaii.
This program is open to all on a first come first serve basis. The sooner the student registers, the better their chance of being accepted.
The fall semester deadline for MCC is August 18, deadlines vary from school to school but each school’s admissions office canhelp students apply for W.U.E. and register for classes.
W.U.E. recipients pay 150 percent of in-state tuition instead of out-of-state tuition. For example, non-Oregon resident tuition at the University of Oregon is $27,738 per semester. With the reduced tuition the cost becomes $12,564. Natalie Fox, MCC’s Student Services Specialist, said “Anyone can benefit from W.U.E.” and it’s easy to apply.
There are only three requirements to participate in the undergraduate exchange. The first is proof of residency in one of the approved states. A driver’s license or a W2.
The second step is signing a W.U.E. contract. The contracts vary at each university. All contracts require a specific credit total and GPA, some schools have additional criteria such as ACT/SAT scores and/or high school GPA.
W.U.E. is only available to first semester students. Meaning, if you have already attended an out of state college you cannot apply for W.U.E. at that college. The W.U.E. contracts can last 5 years or until a bachelor’s degree is obtained. Meaning that students who have studied out of state on a W.U.E. discount can return to the university or college and receive the tuition discount if the time limit has not expired. “Once a W.U.E. always a W.U.E.” said Fox.
If considering going out of state, take time to visit the campus. “Things look different online, or on paper, see if it’s for you,” said Fox. “Talk with students and professors.”
For individuals seeking out-of-state education, find additional information at www.wiche.edu/wue
