WRGP Defined
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) makes high-quality, distinctive graduate programs and healthcare-related programs available to students of the West at the resident tuition rate. As part of the Student Exchange Program of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, WRGP helps place students in a wide range of graduate programs, all designed around the educational, social, and economic needs of the West.
Through WRGP, residents of Alaska, Arizona, California (effective for fall 2010 enrollment) Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming are eligible to enroll in available programs outside of their home state at resident tuition rates. Students need not demonstrate financial need.
To be included in WRGP, programs must meet the criteria of distinctiveness (if they are not related to healthcare) and quality. Programs are nominated by their institutions, peer reviewed by other graduate institutions in the West, and then researched and reviewed by WICHE staff for final approval. WICHE recently added 28 new programs to WRGP for the coming 2009-10 and 2010-11 academic years. At this time, more than 200 programs from 45 Western institutions participate. For a full list of WRGP programs, download this PDF handout.
To be considered for the WRGP tuition rate, students simply apply directly to the department of the enrolling institution and identify themselves as WICHE WRGP applicants. Contact information for each participating program is listed in our WRGP online directory. WGRP students must fulfill all the usual requirements of the department and institution concerned, and meet all admission deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you apply for WRGP status? Students should apply for admission to the program through the regular admissions process. They should also contact the WRGP person of the program to which they are applying to and let him or her know that they want to be considered for the WICHE WRGP tuition discount.
How do you establish residency for the program? WRGP is open to all residents of the 15 participating states. Normally, students should be a resident of one of these states for at least one year before applying for admission as a WRGP student. Determination of residency is usually made by the institution where the student is enrolling. If necessary, the WICHE certifying officer of the student´s home state can assist the institution in making a determination of residency. Contact the WICHE Student Exchange Program office for assistance at 303.541.0214.
What does a student do if he⁄she is billed at the wrong tuition rate? Occasionally, a student is incorrectly billed for the full nonresident tuition. If this happens, contact the graduate studies department or your program department for help. The enrolling program is responsible to inform the bursar or registrar of a student´s WRGP status and reduced tuition rate. The program or institution can contact WICHE for clarification or assistance.
Can a student attend part-time as a WRGP student? Part-time students are eligible to participate if they have been admitted to a WRGP program.
How are new programs added to WRGP? New programs are added every two years. Programs must submit a proposal, which is reviewed by faculty and academic administrators from universities throughout the West. Western graduate school deans are notified in the fall of the upcoming nomination process.
