Prospective Students

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)

Are you interested in attending California State University, Northridge? Concerned about the cost of out-of-state tuition?

California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is a participating member of the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), a program of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE).

Through WUE, students in western states and three U.S. insular areas may enroll in many two-year and four-year undergraduate college programs at a reduced tuition level (150 percent of the institution's regular resident tuition).

WUE tuition is considerably less than nonresident tuition:

How much will I save with WUE?
Resident tuition and mandatory fees per termFormula:
$3,042 (tuition) + $687 (fees)
$3,729
Nonresident tuition plus resident tuition and fees per term

Formula:
$6,300 ($420 x 15 units) + $3,729

$10,029
WUE tuition (150% of resident tuition) and fees per term    Formula:
$4,563 (WUE tuition) + $687 (fees)
$5,250
WUE savings per termFormula:
$10,029 (nonresident tuition and fees) minus $5,250 (WUE tuition and fees)
$4,779
WUE annual savings (two terms)Formula:
$4,779 (WUE savings) x 2 terms
$9,558

Notes:  The tuition rate shown above is for enrollment in the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 academic year, assuming 30 credit hours per year (i.e., 15 units in each fall and spring semester). WUE students must enroll in a minimum of 12 units per semester. Learn more about the cost of attendance. For more information and updates, visit CSUN's University Cash Services, including the Student Disclosure for Tuition and Other Fees.

Eligibility

To receive the WUE tuition rate at CSUN, an admitted student must be a resident of one of the following states or U.S. insular areas: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), and Guam.

Undergraduate Majors

WUE participants may select any undergraduate major offered by CSUN and receive the WUE tuition rate. Visit the University Catalog to explore CSUN majors and options and find department contact information.

To Maintain WUE Status:

Maintain full-time enrollment at 12 or more units each semester that you attend and be in good academic standing with the institution.

Conditions for Enrollment:

  • WUE students are not eligible for California resident tuition. Students cannot apply time accrued while participating in the WUE program to establish California residency.
  • Students may receive the WUE tuition rate for six years or until the completion of the bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first.

How to Apply

Following your admission to CSUN, take these steps to apply to participate in the WUE program:

1. Please follow these guidelines:

  • You may apply for the WUE savings rate if you’re a resident of one of WICHE’s 17 member states/U.S. insular areas (American Samoa, CNMI and Guam).
  • You may apply to participate in WUE at CSUN at any time. However, your request to participate will be considered only after you are admitted to CSUN.
  • For admissions information, see Prospective Students and review the requirements for nonresident applicants.

2. Review, complete and sign the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Contract (PDF) form.

Mail your completed WUE Contract to: 

Office of Admissions — CSUN 
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8207

Alternatively, you may email the completed WUE Contract to nestor.hernandez@csun.edu.

If any additional application materials are required, the CSUN Office of Admissions will contact you.

What Happens Next?

  1. You will receive an email from the CSUN Office of Admissions confirming our receipt of your WUE Contract within 10 business days.
  2. After your admission to CSUN, we will apply the WUE savings rate to your CSUN student financial account. Helpful: View My Student Financial Account How-To Guide
  3. Maintain your WUE status by enrolling full time (at least 12 units in each fall and spring semester) and remaining in good academic standing during your CSUN studies.

Welcome to WUE at CSUN!