Effective 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 |
|---|---|
|
|
How do students apply for WUE?
New undergraduate applicants to select majors who are residents of Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) states and territories are automatically considered for WUE. No additional application is necessary. (NOTE: WUE is not available for students pursuing a second bachelor's degree.)
WUE program participation will be awarded to eligible students based on their academic profile and major.
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-November.
Additional Information
To qualify for the WUE program, undergraduate students must:
- Apply to the University via Cal State Apply for their first bachelor’s degree; AND
- Be admitted to Cal State LA to a WUE-eligible major (see below for CLOSED majors) for the desired start term.
To maintain WUE status while at Cal State LA, students must:
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress;
- Maintain continuous enrollment in the fall and spring semester terms; AND
- Maintain non-California residency status for California Tuition Purposes.
With the WUE program, eligible students may save up to $9,500 annually on non-resident Cal State LA tuition.
- Non-resident tuition (full rate): Approx. $18,600 per year*
- WUE tuition rate (150% of in-state): Approx. $9,100 per year*
- Estimated savings: $9,500 annually or more!
*These are tuition estimates for the 2024-25 school year and are subject to change; visit Tuition & Fees for current tuition rates and additional campus fees.
Due to limited seats, the following majors are not eligible for the WUE program:
- Criminal Justice BS
- Fire Protection Administration & Technology BS
- Music BM
- Pre-licensure 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) with its own unique schedule and fee structure:
- Business-Management BS - Degree Completion (DTLA)
- Communication BA - Degree Completion (DTLA)
- ADN-BSN Collaborative Nursing BSN
- Psychology BA - Degree Completion (DTLA)
(NOTE: Students may still apply and be admitted to these majors but they will not qualify for the WUE tuition discount.)
How long a student may receive the WUE tuition discount depends on their entry status at the time they are admitted to the University:
- First-time freshman may receive the WUE discount for up to 4 years (from first term of enrollment).
- Transfer students may receive the WUE discount for up to 2 years (from first term of enrollment).
Yes, students may opt out of the WUE program, but only before the end of their first term of enrollment at Cal State LA. Please note: Once you opt out, you cannot rejoin the WUE program later.
To opt out, submit the online WUE Withdrawal Request and indicate the term you want the change to take effect.
If you already received the WUE tuition discount for a term, opting out will remove the discount. You will then be charged the full non-California resident tuition rate for that term, and any difference will be added to your student financials account by the One Stop Financial Services Office.
To remain eligible for the WUE program, students must maintain non-California resident status. If you later choose to pursue California residency for tuition purposes, you will no longer qualify for the WUE discount.
Important:
Time spent attending Cal State LA as a WUE participant does not count toward the physical presence requirement for establishing CA residency for CSU tuition purposes.
If you decide 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 the term you want the change to take effect.
- The Cal State LA Admissions Office will review your request and notify you of the residency review decision.