The Canyon

WICHE

Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education

Because the State of Arizona does not have a veterinary school, Arizona residents must apply to veterinary colleges out of state. Arizona participates in the Professional Student Exchange Program of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). Through the exchange, Arizona residents who are funded gain access and pay only the resident tuition fee to the following western veterinary colleges:

Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado
Washington State University
Pullman, Washington
University of California-Davis
Davis, California

The State of Arizona pays the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition for certified and accepted students. To be certified for WICHE funding, a student must have been a legal resident of Arizona for five years, must be a U.S. citizen, and must have at least a 2.5 GPA. the amount of funds appropriated by the Arizona State Legislature varies each year; funds may not be available to support all Arizona students who are eligible. Arizona has 18 spaces reserved for Arizona students in veterinary school, 16 at Colorado State and 2 at Washington State. For the past four years, 16-17 of these spaces have been funded by the legislature.

Students supported by the WICHE program re required to return to Arizona and practice one year for each year they received support. Students who want to practice in an underserved area receive one year of state service credit for each six months of practice. Students who do not meet these obligations to the State of Arizona must repay 50% of the money spent by the state plus interest.

Students may apply for WICHE certification between March 15 and October 15.

For further question, or for application forms, contact: