What type of scholarship is WUE?

WUE is a non-disbursable scholarship. While it is listed on the financial aid offer letter, the benefit is granted as non-resident reduced tuition, thereby charging qualified students substantially less. These scholarships will not be disbursed in addition to the discounted tuition.

Where do I submit my WUE application materials?

You can apply online to the University and submit admission materials to the following address: University of Nevada, Reno Office of Admissions and Records Mailstop: 0120 Reno, NV 89557

What do I need to do to keep WUE after my first year?

No application is required. Students will continue to receive the benefits of the program they qualified for at the time of admission for up to four consecutive years while earning their first bachelor’s degree. Students are not required to maintain a minimum GPA or carry a minimum semester credit requirement to retain these programs. We recommend students enroll in a minimum of 15 credits to ensure they complete their degree within the four-year time limit.

Are fees required for WUE recipients?

Yes. Mandatory fees are required for all students, regardless of residency status.

Can I establish Nevada residency while receiving WUE?

Students may not go from WUE directly to Nevada residency for tuition purposes, therefore students cannot establish in-state residency while receiving the benefits of these programs. Students may decline WUE prior to the start of the semester, attend the University and pay full non-resident tuition for at least 12 months while establishing Nevada residency. Learn more about becoming a Nevada resident or email questions to mynevada@unr.edu .

Can I be reconsidered for WUE once I start taking classes here?

Students cannot be reconsidered for WUE once they begin taking classes at the University. Students who do not meet the minimum requirements by the deadline prior to taking classes are not eligible for reconsideration for these programs. Non-resident students paying out-of-state tuition may consider establishing Nevada residency as a financially independent student. Learn about becoming a Nevada resident and email mynevada@unr.edu for more information.

How to request WUE consideration if you don't qualify as a new freshman?

Reconsideration can be requested by submitting the following form and updated transcripts or scores. The d eadline to qualify is the Friday before fees are due for the semester you are admitted. Semester fee due dates can be found on our academic calendar .

How to request WUE consideration if you don't qualify as a transfer student?

Reconsideration can be requested by submitting the following form and updated transcripts or scores. Deadline to qualify is the Friday before fees are due for the semester you are admitted. Semester fee due dates can be found on our academic calendar .

If WUE requirements change for the following academic year after I start at the University, can I be reconsidered?

Students may only be considered for WUE by the deadline prior to their first semester. They must meet the criteria established for the semester in which they apply and attend as a new student at the University. Policies are subject to change.

Save up to $15,500 per year on tuition with WUE

The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) provides undergraduate students from eligible western states and territories with the opportunity to study at the University of Nevada, Reno at a significantly reduced tuition cost.

Start an application

Aerial view looking south on the University of Nevada, Reno campus with the library, parking garage, fitness center and education building visible.

★ Eligibility

Open to incoming freshman and transfer students who are earning their first bachelor's degree and are attending the University from participating western states.

Explore eligibility >

✎ No separate application

All you need to do is submit a completed application for admission. That's it.

Admissions information >

✓ Deadlines

Deadline to qualify or submit reconsideration requests and updated documents is the Friday before fees are due for the semester you are admitted. Semester fee due dates can be found on our academic calendar.

Apply to Nevada >

Compare your potential savings*

Students who qualify for the Western Undergraduate Exchange only pay 150% of Nevada resident base tuition.

Out-of-state tuition without WUE: $29,571.50

Out-of-state tuition with WUE: $14,073.75

*Tuition only. Based on 2026-27 tuition at 30 credits across fall (15) and spring (15 semesters). Tuition information >

See how much you could save versus other public flagship universities

University of Nevada, Reno $14,073.75 (Tuition with WUE discount)
University of California $15,384 (In-state tuition) +$1,727 $51,858 (Out-of-state tuition) +$38,201
University of Oregon $16,755 (In-state tuition) +$3,772 $46,077 (Out-of-state tuition) +$33,094
University of Washington $13,406 (In-state tuition) +$423 $44,640 (Out-of-state tuition) +$31,657
University of Arizona $13,900 (In-state tuition) +$917 $43,100 (Out-of-state tuition) +$30,117
University of Colorado Boulder $14,606 (In-state tuition) +$4,617 $47,149 (Out-of-state tuition) +$34,166

Updated 10/8/25
Estimated totals for comparison are from publicly available information on each university's website.

Why WUE?

Open to all majors

Unlike other universities that offer WUE, we do not limit eligibility to specific academic majors.

It's good for 4 years

You may continue to receive the WUE scholarship for up to four consecutive years. No ongoing minimum GPA or per-year credit requirements. No renewal application necessary.

Qualify for $8,000 Presidential scholarship

Incoming new freshmen may also qualify for the Presidential Scholarship, worth an additional $8,000 per year for four years of undergraduate study.

WUE eligibility requirements

A graphic of western states in alternating dark and light blue colors with the state acronym in white.

Open to 18 different states and regions

Participating regions include Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Republic of Palau, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

Students wear blue, yellow and orange shirts and cheer from the stands during the NevadaFIT orientation program at the University of Nevada, Reno.

New freshman WUE requirements

To qualify, students must be earning their first bachelor's degree and meet one of the following requirements:

3.25 unweighted GPA¹ or
24 Composite ACT score² or
1160 SAT score²

Two people walk out the front entrance of the Reynolds School of Journalism building on the University of Nevada, Reno campus.

New transfer student WUE requirements

Students must be earning their first bachelor's degree and meet both of the following requirements:

3.0 cumulative transfer³ GPA and
24 transferable semester graded credits⁴

Frequently asked questions about WUE

Additional information

¹1An unweighted GPA is calculated on a scale ranging from 0 to 4.0 and does not assign additional weight for courses like Honors and Advanced Placement.
²Students may request a superscore to be used by emailing WUE@unr.edu
³Does not include courses with Pass/Fail or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory designation
⁴Does not include Advanced Placement or non-graded work

Students who do not meet WUE requirements may be eligible for the Pack Exchange Program.

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