Agency Overview
The Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education (WICHE) has a biennial budget of approximately $5.1 million, of which over 90% goes to support fees for students in health professional programs, the majority of whom are contractually obligated to return to the state to practice health care. One UW staff member has a portion of their salary paid by WICHE to manage the Professional Student Exchange Program (PSEP) budget, residency certification and contract processes, with the rest of WICHE’s administrative costs being provided through the budgets of Wyoming colleges and the university.

Agency Background & Structure
The Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education (WICHE) is a regional organization that facilitates resource sharing across Western institutions of higher education.  The State of Wyoming is a member of WICHE and uses WICHE as a significant means of access for Wyoming residents to a variety of professional programs, undergraduate and graduate education options.  WICHE also provides a means for Wyoming colleges and the University to recruit out of state students for undergraduate, graduate and pharmacy programs.  Additionally WICHE engages in research and dissemination of best practices for colleges, provided support for mental health systems across the West and other supports of education.

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Member States

WICHE members include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, U.S. Pacific Territories, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.