Beginning with Fall 2025 admission, Cal State LA is a participant in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program. This program offers an affordable pathway for out-of-state students from Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) member states and territories.
Eligible students pay just 150% of in-state tuition - a significant savings compared to standard non-resident rates - while earning a quality California education in the heart of Los Angeles.
To learn more about WUE, visit the WICHE WUE webpage.
Which U.S. states and territories participate in WUE?
Residents from the following U.S. states and territories qualify for the WUE tuition discount:
| U.S. States | U.S. Territories and Freely Associated States |
|---|---|
|
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How do students apply for WUE?
If you live in a WICHE state or territory and are applying to one of our eligible majors, you’ll be automatically considered for the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) tuition discount! No extra application required.
WUE awards are based on an applicant's academic profile and chosen major. (Please note: WUE isn’t available for students pursuing a second bachelor’s degree.)
When will I know if I am eligible for the WUE program?
Fall Admission: WUE-eligible students will be notified by mid-April.
Spring Admission: WUE-eligible students will be notified by mid-October.
Additional Information
To be considered, students must:
- Apply to Cal State LA through Cal State Apply for their first bachelor’s degree
- Be admitted to a WUE-eligible major for the desired start term (note: some majors are closed)
To keep the WUE tuition discount, enrolled students must:
- Stay in good academic standing
- Remain continuously enrolled each fall and spring
- Keep non-California residency status for tuition purposes
Big Savings with WUE! Eligible students can save around $3,700 each term on non-resident tuition at Cal State LA!
- Full non-resident tuition: about $9,092 per term*
- WUE tuition rate (150% of in-state): about $5,377 per term*
- Your savings: about $3,715 (or more!)
*Estimates based on a 12-unit load for Fall 2025. Actual tuition and campus fees may vary. Visit Tuition & Fees for a specific term's tuition and campus fees.
Because space is limited seats, the following majors do not participate in WUE:
- Criminal Justice BS
- Fire Protection Administration & Technology BS
- Music BM
- Nursing BSN (including Pre-Nursing)
- Psychology BA
- Social Work BA
- Urban Learning BA: Teacher Preparation
Programs offered through the College of Professional and Global Education (PaGE) are also not eligible:
- Business-Management BS - Degree Completion (DTLA)
- Communication BA - Degree Completion (DTLA)
- ADN-BSN Collaborative Nursing BSN
- Psychology BA - Degree Completion (DTLA)
You may still apply and be admitted to these majors but the WUE tuition discount will not apply.
Your WUE discount depends on when you start at Cal State LA:
- First-time freshman: Up to 4 years (from your first term of enrollment)
- Transfer students: Up to 2 years (from your first term of enrollment)
Yes, but only during your first term at Cal State LA. Once you opt out, you cannot return to the WUE program later.
To opt out, submit the online WUE Withdrawal Request and indicate the term when you would like the change to begin
Important: If you already used the WUE discount for a term, opting out means you’ll be charged the full non-resident tuition rate for that term. The difference will be added to your student account by the One Stop Financial Services Office.
To stay eligible for WUE, you must maintain non-California resident status. If you decide to establish California residency for tuition purposes, you’ll no longer qualify for the WUE discount.
Important:
Time spent at Cal State LA under WUE does not count toward the physical presence requirement for establishing CA residency.
If you want to opt out of WUE and pursue California residency:
- Submit a WUE Withdrawal Request before the end of your first term (see opt out instructions above).
- When ready, complete and submit the CSU Residence Questionnaire by the residency deadline for your desired term.
- The Admissions Office will review your request and notify you of the decision.