Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)
Out-of-state students from Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) states can attend CU Denver at a discounted tuition rate through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program—saving you more than $11,000 every year compared to the nonresident tuition rate, based on enrollment in 15 credit hours per semester.
What’s better—receiving the WUE tuition benefit is EASY! Admitted students who indicate they’re legal residents of a WICHE state on the application for admission, based on their permanent address, are automatically classified as a WUE student.
Learn more about WUE at CU Denver by clicking through our frequently asked questions, then apply for admission.
For additional questions about WUE, please email Admissions@ucdenver.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
WUE tuition is 150% of the Colorado resident rate without application of the Colorado Opportunity Fund.
All undergraduate majors at CU Denver are eligible for the WUE tuition rate. You may choose from a wide range of programs in architecture & planning, arts & media, business, education, engineering, liberal arts and sciences, and public affairs. WUE is available only for on-campus programs; online students living in their home states are not eligible.
No. You must meet the admission standards of your intended program of study at CU Denver, which is a selective admission institution.
No. Regardless of your educational objectives, WUE is only available to students who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree in the United States or from a comparable foreign institution.
No. Per the Western Undergraduate Exchange policy, WUE is granted to students who want to remain residents of their home state. Students enrolled at CU Denver with the WUE benefit will not qualify for Colorado residency. If a student wants to become a Colorado resident beyond educational purposes, they must relinquish their WUE tuition status and pay non-resident tuition for 12 months. At the beginning of these 12 months, the student must also create their ties to Colorado. At the end of these 12 months, the student must submit their petition for in-state residency. Residency is not guaranteed. For more information about Colorado Residency, please visit the Registrar’s website.
Students need to complete the WUE opt-out form. To ensure correct billing, opt-out forms must be completed one month before classes begin.
To continue receiving the WUE tuition benefit, you must enroll as a full-time student each fall and spring semester, completing at least 12 semester credit hours. Enrollment in summer is optional, but to receive WUE you must enroll full-time. You must remain in good academic standing, achieving at least a 2.0 GPA each semester. The WUE tuition benefit duration is four years or completion of your bachelor’s degree.